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News
February 2015
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­1
62,000 copies monthly
FEBRUARY 2015
Still Sculpting after Fifty Years
Ernst Fries, one of Australia’s most celebrated and
awarded sculptors staged a retrospective exhibition on
his property and gallery Linden Gate at Yarra Glen during
January.
Conveniently, the still-active craftsman has ten acres to
display his prolific works going back fifty years, though
a number of his large, impressive stained glass and
stainless steel sculptures are situated in churches, at the
Melbourne Magistrates court, Mckenzie Park in Yarra
Glen and multiple international, national and regional
galleries and private collections. His output is in the
thousands.
It is no surprise that Ernst still works full time in his
expansive and well-equipped studio/workshop with
views of the valley, vineyards and mountain views.
From the age of seven until eleven Ernst grew up
(or survived) under the Nazis in the small German
historic town of Würzburg. He saw too much death
and destruction for anyone. In the last weeks of the
war, hundreds of thousands of bombs razed the once
decorative town.
Ever since, each day has been a bonus for Ernst and
he has made the most
of every moment.
Despite a ‘dicky’ knee,
he is in his workshop
every day and has
numerous projects on
the go. He even found
time to complete a
Masters in Fine Arts in
2010, based on “Light
Colour and Spatiality
through the medium
of Delle De Verre glass.
This
engaging
father-of-six,
craftsman trained as
a jeweller/goldsmith
in
Zurich
before
arriving with his Swiss
wife, Rosmarie in 1959. After overcoming the shock of
Bonegilla (migrant camp), the culture-shocked couple
moved to Melbourne. To support his growing family he
initially took on the job as a water and sewerage designer.
To cope with the mundane work, in the evenings he
would work until midnight on his art.
Ernst enjoys the challenge of working with precision
on large geometrical sculptures. His silver, goldsmith
background and engineering studies are evident in the
meticulous design he takes with every commission. His
sculptures can be up to six metres high and seem to defy
gravity in cantilevered positions, some engaging the
wind as an interactive element and refracting the light.
Commissions often involve stainless steel and Dalle de
Verre (stained glass), concrete, rare timbers, resin and
sensory lights.
Visitors to Art at
Linden Gate Gallery
will see a cross-section
of five decades of Ernst
Fries’ diverse work in
all shapes, sizes and
materials. One of the
standouts is a bronze
head of a newly arrived
migrant. The look on the
face is one of terror and
confusion, tinged with
hope; feelings Ernst and
his late wife shared when they landed in this far away
mysterious land fifty five years ago.
They will also see Ernst’s handy work as a builder on
doors, windows, walls, balustrades and even the B&B
accommodation. It seems everything he touches turns to
art; a rich legacy indeed.
For more information regarding Ernst’s art or the artistic
accommodation see www.artatlindengate.com
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­­­­­2
News
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
February 2015
News
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­3
LIFE Activities Clubs
IN THIS ISSUE
with Robert Geary
Life Activities Clubs celebrate as often as they can: that’s
what life is about. Hot on the heels of those spectacular
New Year’s Eve fireworks, Melbourne rolled out another
celebration – Australia Day at Kings Domain Gardens
and Life Activities was there again this year helping to
celebrate Melbourne’s wonderful diversity. People came
by for a chat and picked up information about club
activities and there were queues most of the day at the
table tennis tables and badminton court. It was a great
day to celebrate and Melburnians do it so well. Look for us
again next year! Throughout this year however we will be
out and about metropolitan and regions centres talking
to communities about Life Activities Clubs; contact us if
you would like us to visit you.
In the meantime, burn off some of the holiday ‘sludge’
or simply get out and enjoy Melbourne’s warm days
and long twilights. Why not have a go at something
completely different – try out dragon boat racing or
Trugo (one of Melbourne’s truly unique games). If you are
not so adventurous then there’s lots of other options –
badminton, cycling, golf walks, bowls and of course there’s
always table tennis – from easy to more challenging.
MONTHLY BUS TRIPS ORGANIZED BY LAC.BALWYN
LAC Balwyn enjoy an average of ten coach outings a year.
The trips are designed around the seasons and suitability
of destination to accommodate retirees and their
interests and are planned by and for the benefit of our
members. This year we commence with a trip to Sorrento
to join a twilight cruise to Queenscliff return and partake
of local produce on board the ferry. A visit to Coombe
Cottage gardens at Coldstream in March. For our Garden
enthusiasts a trip to St. Erth Blackwood in April. A visit to
the Bendigo Art Gallery for a special exhibition is always
popular as are our many other tours.
Bus day tours are just one of the many activities on offer
at LAC Balwyn. Phone 9882 7508 for more information.
Moonee Valley
The Moonee Valley Life Activities Club has many different
and enjoyable activities lined up for this coming year as
well as interesting club nights held on the first Monday
of every month at 7-30pn at the Kellaway Avenue
Neighbourhood Centre Monee Ponds. Some of the
different activities planned include weekends away, table
tennis, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, cards, cinema and
theatre visits, day trips, Mah-jong, golf, weekend walks
and Sudoku. This vibrant club welcomes new members
and inquiries can be made to Josie on 9379 0308.
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National Seniors comment
4
Computer Tips
7
Genealogy7
Knox LAC a busy programme in 2015
Our Cinema Outing could also be a Dine-out, because
after the film, we get together for a dinner at one of the
local restaurants here in Boronia. Some members miss
the Movie and join us for dinner.
AND/OR come along to join us in Jells Park, for the
February “Picnic in the Park” If it’s not a good time for
you, there is a second chance in March, just bring food
and drink, and we can chat, eat, meet new people, maybe
even enjoy a short walk. We’ll be home before dark.
Are you in the second half of your life?
Croydon LAC
Twenty odd playmates from Life Activities Club Croydon
had a great time at our annual January picnic/BBQ.
Despite an ominous forecast, the weather improved to a
sunny day with blue skies and no rain, which was such
a reward for our members who had taken a chance and
enjoyed some hours catching up in great company.
Lots of activities are planned for the coming year and
we warmly welcome enquiries and interested visitors.
Contact us through our website life.org.au/Croydon
This can mean major life changes but it
is also a time of great opportunities to:
Ÿ discover new interests and uncover
your hidden talents
Ÿ broaden your social circle and make
new friends
Ÿ stretch your muscles and your mind
by getting involved in new activities.
Check out your local clubs - you
could soon be choosing from a great
range of activities. Life’s better
together - so challenge yourself in the
second half of life by participating in
new activities and meeting new
friends.
Managing Money
9
Trader Column
14
Lifestyle
15
Virginia Hill
15
Ben Knight
15
Mindgames Puzzles 16
Body & Mind
17
Going Places
18
Arts & Entertainment
20
Arts & Events Digest
22
Let’s Go
Brighton Bayside LAC Convenors celebration
Knox LAC enjoy Christmas picnic at Bayswater Park
Sunday walkers will board the train to Brighton, and take
a walk along the beach most likely, enjoy their own BYO
sandwiches before boarding the train homeward bound.
The music group will be entertained by The Seekers”
Please ring for more information, or for a copy of our
latest newsletter. This is obligation free, and we are happy
to answer any questions. You can also reach us at life.org.
au/knox Or call Melva 9762 3764 or Helen 9729 1151
Courts follow doctors, not families, when it comes
to patients’ best interests
Doctors’ assessments of whether it is in
a patient’s ‘best interests’ to withdraw lifesustaining treatment are likely to prevail over
family wishes when end-of-life matters go before
the Supreme Court, a QUT review published
in the Medical Journal of
Australia has found.
QUT Australian Centre
for Health Law Research
director Professor Lindy
Willmott said, while it was
rare for disagreements
between treating teams
and family members
about whether to stop
treatment to end up in
court, Australia’s Supreme
Courts had jurisdiction in
relation to end-of-life disputes.
“The Court’s work is to decide what is in the ‘best
interest’ of the patient who lacks the capacity to
state their wishes, but just what ‘best interests’
means is contested,” Professor Willmott said.
“Only eight Australian end-of-life Supreme
Court decisions have revolved around the
concept of best interests and within those we
found six themes which influenced decisions on
life-sustaining treatment.
“These factors could be useful for doctors
considering withdrawing or withholding
treatment from adult patients unable to
COTA (Vic) comment
communication their wishes. They are:
“1. Futile treatment is not in the best interest
of the patient. In most cases the court relies on
medical practitioners’ judgements as to which
treatment would be futile.
2. Consideration of the pain and indignity a
patient may suffer through treatment.
3. Quality of life is taken into consideration.
4. The views and wishes of the patient and
perhaps the family were found to be relevant in
three of the eight decisions.
5. The interests of others such as health
professionals who may, for example, feel
distress about providing forced treatment did
not influence the decision.
6. The courts have usually deferred to medical
opinion when assessing best interests.”
Professor Willmott said an assessment based
on the patient’s best interested could be legally
justified if there was a clear basis for deciding
treatment was futile or if the patient was
extremely unlikely to recover consciousness.
“Treatments that are particularly invasive or
burdensome relative to their benefits will also
not be considered in a patient’s best interests,”
she said.
“The courts are likely to support a medical
view that concludes treatment should not be
provided, but we suggest it would be good
practice for it to be corroborated with a second
medical opinion.”
With membership heading for the mid four hundreds
and approximately forty vibrant and varied activities
operating almost every day of the year; it is February when
we celebrate the success of the past year. Around ninety
convenors, committee members and their partners will
gather to reminisce about the successful events of the
past year and plan for the coming year. It is the clubs way
of thanking the constant stream of members who step
forward willingly to organize the popular activities and
to devise new activities where members find friends with
like interests.
KINGSTON U3A BOOK LAUNCH
On the 14th November 1994 the
public met in the Mayor’s Room
at Mordialloc to decide if they
wanted a University of the Third
Age in Mordialloc.
From
that
moment
on
Mordialloc/Chelsea U3A was
born with initially 140 members
joining. Later a name change took
place and Mordialloc/Chelsea
U3A was renamed Kingston U3A.
Now we are 20 years old and on
Friday 14th November 2014, a
commemorative book published
to celebrate the occasion, was
launched. The Book “Still Making
Waves” records the passage of
the past 20 years. From that early
membership, there are now
nearly 600 members and over 50
classes offered, all conducted by
volunteer tutors.
Mr Cliff Picton, Ombudsman,
LaTrobe University, Melbourne,
one of the initial members
who brought U3A to Australia,
launched the book. Many
foundation
members
were
welcomed and presented with a
copy of the book, as were all
current members in attendance.
Mrs Elsie Mutton, President
of Network U3A congratulated
Kingston U3A on reaching this
important milestone.
Approximately
200
people
listened to the entertainment
provided by the two Kingston U3A
Choirs, Still in the Pink and Vivace
Voices.
Following the official
ceremony, a delicious afternoon
tea, prepared and served by four
Kingston U3A members, was
enjoyed by all.
Thanks to all the volunteers
whose contribution made the
afternoon such a great success.
23
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Fifty~Plus News
The brainy New Year’s
resolution!
cognitive decline and dementia. Follow the
In what Alzheimer’s Australia is describing
as the brainy New Year’s resolution Graeme
Samuel, National President Alzheimer’s
Australia is encouraging Australians to take 5
simple steps to maximise their brain health in
2015.
“These include looking after your heart, being
physically active, challenging your brain, eating
healthily and enjoying social activity. All these
behaviours not only have a significant impact
on your risk of developing dementia, but also
impact on other chronic diseases,” Mr Samuel
said.
“People at any age can modify these lifestyle
factors to lower their risk of dementia. It’s never
too late to start, and what better time to start
than at the beginning of 2015.”
CEO Alzheimer’s Australia, Carol Bennett said:
“Research suggests that up to half the cases of
Alzheimer’s disease worldwide are potentially
attributable to health and lifestyle factors. It’s
important that Australians think about whether
looking after their brain matters, and recognise
that they can make positive modifications to
their lifestyles that can impact on their risk of
dementia.”
Here are the five tips to help you start the New
Year with a brain-healthy lifestyle:
1. Look after your heart – what’s good for your
heart is good for your brain
The risk of developing dementia appears to
increase as a result of conditions that affect the
heart or blood vessels, particularly when these
occur at mid-life.
2. Be physically active – exercise gives the brain
a healthy boost
Regular physical exercise is associated with
better brain function and reduced risk of
National Physical Activity Guidelines by building
up at least 30 minutes of moderate – intensity
physical activity on most – but preferably all –
days.
3. Mentally challenge your brain – the brain
likes to tackle something it doesn’t know
Scientists have found that challenging the brain
with new activities helps to build new brain
cells and strengthen connections between
them. The brain benefits by having to tackle
something it doesn’t know.
4. Follow a healthy diet – what you eat could
affect the brain
Evidence suggests that a healthy, balanced
diet may help in maintaining brain health and
functionality but more research is needed to
understand if there are specific foods that may
be able to reduce the risk of dementia. Follow
the National Dietary Guidelines.
5. Enjoy social activity – socialising is good for
the brain
Social engagement has been found to have
benefits for other health factors related
to cognitive functioning such as vascular
conditions and depression. It is mentally
stimulating and may contribute to building
brain reserve which then contributes to a lower
dementia risk.
You can download the free brain health app,
BrainyApp, available on Apple and Android
devices.
For more tips about brain health, how to reduce
your risk of dementia, visit yourbrainmatters.
org.au
Veterans’ Retreat
Australian and New Zealand war
veterans will be made especially
welcome at the Australian
International Airshow at Avalon
Airport. Event organisers will
provide an exclusive rest and
recreation precinct especially for
the comfort and enjoyment of
those who have served in times
of conflict. This comfortable, air
conditioned facility will be the
perfect venue in which to relax or
catch up with old comrades.
The Veterans’ Retreat will be
located opposite the entrance
to Hall 2 of the Aerospace Expo
with close access to all the action
and excitement of the Airshow.
It will be hosted and operated by
members of the Royal Australian
Air Force Association and be open
to all Australian and New Zealand
veterans (Army, Navy and Air
Force).
The Airshow will be the first
significant observance of the
Gallipoli campaign in its centenary
year. It will honour our Anzac
tradition and salute the heroes of
military aviation. This spectacular
event will feature a cavalcade of
military aircraft from 1915 to the
present day including no fewer
than 16 World War One replica
warbirds.
There will also be a host of
World War Two aircraft, pioneer
jets from the Korean era and
modern, supersonic, hi-tech jets
from the RAAF and the Air Forces
of many other nations. A series
of spectacular battlefield reenactments will provide a unique
dimension to Airshow 2015.
These ground warfare scenarios
will feature military re-enactment
personnel in authentic period
uniform, military vehicles and
historic artillery and weaponry.
The Veterans’ Retreat will
provide the perfect venue for
those veterans wishing to relax
and catch up with old mates in
between their enjoyment of the
many Airshow attractions. The
Australian International Airshow
has scheduled public sessions
on the afternoon of Friday 27th
February and then all day Saturday
and Sunday.
For more information visit the
Airshow website www.airshow.
com.au
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News
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
A busy start to the New Year
Comment
with Sue Hendy, CEO, COTA Victoria
The beginning of another year and one that I hope will
bring you good health and happiness. We at COTA Victoria
have high hopes that this year will bring significant
changes for the better for older Victorians.
We have just sent congratulatory letters to the new
Premier and his ministers and told them that COTA as the
major representative of older Victorians looks forward
to working with them in creating an age friendly state,
one that is just and fair for the growing number of older
people in our community. We look forward to seeing
ageing on the agendas of all government departments.
At the end of January we submitted our 2015-16 State
Budget proposals to the Government. Our submission
drew attention to what older Victorians have been telling
us for the past year. They tell us that they are concerned
about cost of living pressures, about the delivery of
health services and the availability of appropriate and
affordable housing, particularly the plight of pensioners
in the private rental market.
COTA Victoria has been contributing to government
policy for 64 years and our input comes from our
engagement with over 60,000 older people each year
and from our research. Many older Victorians recognise
the importance of COTA’s work with government, both at
the state level and through COTA Australia at the federal
level. This is often the major reason why people sign up
and become members and participate in our many and
varied activities.
Our state budget submission with its practical
suggestions for government action is on our website,
www.cota.org.au or you can get a copy by phoning our
information line on 1300 13 50 90.
Last December, Dr Cathy Mead was elected President of
COTA Victoria. Cathy has been chair of our Policy Council
and was attracted to COTA when she joined our cycling
group and still rides with them most Wednesdays. As
a senior public servant at state and federal levels for
many years dealing with public health policies, Cathy
brings considerable experience to her new position. In a
message to our members she stressed the importance of
tackling ageism as it is manifested in many ways including
discrimination in the workforce. “Ageism limits the
society’s ability to think and act positively which means
that the needs of older people are not properly met and
their participation in the community is not encouraged,”
Cathy said.
One of the major ways to encourage older people to
participate in the community is to enable them to be tech
Celebrity horse visits the
elderly
Residents
It is well
f r o m
Benetas St
George’s, a
residential
aged care
home
in
A l t o n a
M eadows,
w e r e
completely
star struck
when 1992
Melbourne Cup winner and
champion horse ‘Sub Zero’ visited
their home in January.
The visit highlights Benetas’
commitment
to
providing
appealing,
exciting
and
meaningful social activities for
residents and their families,
as a part of its social inclusion
program.
Staff at Benetas St George’s
said residents were simply
overwhelmed with the visit
and felt privileged to meet and
interact with a real Melbourne
Cup champion!
Benetas Manager of Innovation,
Policy and Research Dr Amee
Morgans said these kinds of
activities are essential for social
inclusion and in supporting
residents to have a positive,
fulfilling experience of ageing.
We aim to build relationships
that provide social opportunity
for our residents and for
community groups to engage
with older people.
“Social inclusion is all about
people coming together, being
connected
and
interacting
with one another in a mutually
fulfilling way,” Dr Morgans said. “
known that
animals can
provide an
immense
source
of
enjoyment
for
many
e l d e r l y
people, and
this superstar
horse
was
no exception!
Such a visit from a well known
‘celebrity’ provides a sense
of connection back to the
community and something
special that can be talked about
amongst residents, with the staff
and loved ones.
Benetas St George’s is a beautiful
modern 124 bed home renowned
for its multicultural care and
has been recognised for its
achievements in aged care.
For more information on Benetas
visit www.benetas.com.au
savvy particularly when it comes to new social media.
The world is fast becoming more connected through
smart phones and other new appliances. Business and
government are pushing us all to shop, bank, manage
our health and socialise online. The 55 plus generation is
more challenged by this new technology so a new venture
dedicated to assisting older people with new technology
called TelUs2Day is organising a one day workshop on
‘Services in the Connected World’ on February 20 at
Swinburne University of Technology aimed at those
organisations providing products and services to the
over 55’s. More details on their website: www.telus2day.
com.au
Finally I need to give you advance notice of our 2015
seniors conference on Tuesday May 26 in Melbourne. Our
annual conference is always a lively affair where there is
plenty of discussion and debate. The theme this year is
longevity and what this means to all of us as individuals, as
communities and for government policies and programs.
Keep a watch out for more details on the COTA Victoria
website.
Have a good 2015 and Happy Ageing.
Interesting times ahead
Victorians have joined the trend in providing
a government without an ability to govern in
its own right.
Our new Upper House has 16 LNP members;
14 ALP members; 5 Green members; and 5
Independents. The Independents comprise
two from the Shooters and Fishers’, and one
each from Democratic Labour, Australian Sex
and Vote 1 Local Jobs parties. Premier Andrews
has a very interesting time ahead.
Have you ever tried to explain to an overseas
visitor at election time how one of the oldest
continuous democracies works? The world
tends to believe that democracy is based on
two tenets: one vote per adult citizen; and
respect for the will of the majority. How do we
explain that first past the post does not get
elected? Even more difficult is the Senate and the
Upper House whereby candidates who get
less than five per cent of the vote actually get
elected. Maybe a review is overdue?
Personally, I do not want to see another Upper
House voting form that is a metre long, listing
lots of candidates of whom I have absolutely no
knowledge. Informed voting? I wonder. Having
said this, the recent Federal Election has proved
the worth of genuine independents. Unlike the
previous parliament where too many of the
Independents sold their vote to the ALP, the
current crop have shown real independence
and we seniors have cause to be grateful for
their fortitude. Senator Xenophon has always been a beacon
for common sense and a sufficient number of
the other independent senators are a showing
similar ability to sort through the spin of
government proposals. The excessive welfare cutbacks and financial
industry support of the Abbott team have
been restricted. Hopefully, amongst the five
new Victorian Upper House independents
might be someone with an open mind and an
abundance of common sense. Returning to the task in hand, Victoria is
going to lose many thousands of dollars of
revenue from Payroll Tax income as Ford,
Toyota, Holden and their parts suppliers shut
down. The challenges for the ALP to find the
funding for growth are huge. Maybe even
to find the funding to hold the status quo of
state-based services will be a difficult task.
Apparently, raising the GST is off the agenda,
so unless another way of raising state revenue
is found, the next four years will be all about
the community hanging on to current levels of
government support. Some of the non-ageing welfare organisations
are already stating that they believe we seniors
have recently been too well catered-for in
government support which they feel is better
placed in the non-retirement sector.
Interesting times ahead.
Arnold Bates
Chair
Victorian Policy Group
National Seniors
ED: I’d like to welcome Arnold to Fifty Plus
News. Arnold will be contributing the National
Seniors column in 2015 and hopefully for many
years to come in order to give us the most up to
date and relevant issues relating to Victorians.
February 2015
BOGUS BANKERS DIAL IN ON
VULNERABLE CONSUMERS
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe
today issued a warning about bogus callers
claiming to be from some of Australia’s biggest
banks falsely advising consumers that they
had fallen victim to an overseas credit card
or bank fraud. “NSW Fair Trading is receiving
reports of consumers being contacted by
people purporting to represent banks based
in Australia,” Mr Stowe said. “The bogus callers
falsely claim that fraudulent transactions have
taken place on their credit card, commonly in
New Zealand, and then ask consumers for their
personal or banking details to help recover
funds.
“Once they’ve gathered banking or personal
details from victims, scammers can potentially
hack into their bank accounts and siphon funds.
Depending on the volume or type of information
given, scammers have the potential to commit
other types of false representation using the
victim’s identity. Unfortunately banking scams
are quite common, though this new variant is
particularly worrying as banks and financial
institutions do often get in touch
with consumers to advise them of irregular or
suspicious transactions.”
“If you do receive a call that doesn’t seem
genuine, refrain from giving any details, hang
up and contact your bank or financial provider.”
Mr Stowe encouraged consumers to alert their
friends, family and colleagues of the latest
banking scam. “Sadly, Australian consumers
lose millions of dollars to scams each year and
unfortunately the more people that fall for
scams the more prevalent they become, as
scammers see it as a quick way to make money,”
he said. “Using auto-dialling tools and software,
scammers often target and cold-call consumers
area-by-area, and there is a fair chance if you
are receiving calls so is your neighbour or those
who live nearby.”
Many scams originate from outside Australia
and once money is sent overseas it is virtually
impossible to recover. If you do fall victim to
a scam, contact your financial institution for
advice.
Narre Warren
Seniors
The President gave a short message
of thanks to the Committee who
had worked so hard to
At Narre Warren Seniors we had
our Christmas break-up party on
Wednesday 10th December when
127 members made the time
to relax and enjoy the day. The
beautiful decorations created a
suitable ambiance for this special
occasion.
make this celebration possible.
He also thanked all members for
their support and loyalty, and
wished everyone the Blessings of
Christmas.
Our very own in-house Sing-a-long
group put on a very entertaining
concert of music and singing
and funny skits. The chorus of 21
voices, ranging in age from 70’s to
90’s, gave of their very best with
favourite songs and backing for
solo singers.
Eileen Knights sang “Birth of the
Blues” and Muriel Clancy gave us
a medley of “Enjoy yourself” and
“Give me five minutes more”. There
was a duet from Inday Houghton
and Henry Todd singing “Have you
ever been lonely”, and Lawrence
Kee did a moving rendition of
“Some
enchanted
evening”.
Then we had Brian Ludbrook
and his banjo doing his version
of a George Formby favourite,
“Lancashire Toreador,” and Dennis
Lamb on his saxophone charmed
us with ‘Danny Boy”. Then Dale
Abbott and the chorus picked up
the pace with “Good luck charm”.
The most amusing part of the
concert was when our President,
Cyril Gonsalvez sang “Delilah”.
Some ladies thought he sounded
like Tom Jones and - yes - they
tossed certain undergarments at
him on the stage!!!
The finale had everyone waving
flags and singing along to “I still
call Australia home”.
Lunch was served soon after
the concert, and after the plum
pudding we had the Spinning
Wheel, giving away lots of lovely
prizes.
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­5
News
Our previous Secretary, Betty
Gardiner, who has recovered
from a long illness was able to
attend the party. The President
welcomed her and thanked her
for 13 years of devoted service to
the Club. He then called upon our
previous President Dale Abbott
to present her with a framed
certificate of Life Membership and
a commemorative club badge. To bring the celebration to a close,
our Sing-a-long stars led everyone
in Carol singing in the true Spirit of
Christmas. Narre Warren Seniors
will resume all activities for 2015 in
January.
Pictures 1 Inday Houghton and
Henry Todd, 2 Brian Ludbrook with
his banjo, 3 Betty Gardiner receives
her Life Membership
Our boutique
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village has it all!
• Spacious 1 bedroom
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• State of the art security
system & 24 hour
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• $325,000
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Ph for appointment 9562 5814 or Mobile 0412 337 243
Coming in March a regular bimonthly column on legal issues
pertaining to the Over 50’s.
Enlarged Prostate?
Call 1300 360 289
Do you suffer from these
symptoms?
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• A weak stream
• Constantly feeling that your bladder
isn’t empty
Seek advice from your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms.
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Visit www.magnusprime.com for clinical studies.
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Magnus ShieldTM is available at good pharmacies
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call 1300 360 289 for more information, if our lines
are busy please call again.
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Sophie Tanaghow Pharmacy
283 Waverley Rd, Malvern East 3145
National Pharmacy
190 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill 3150
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Customer hotline:
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Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner.
AUST L: 123642
­­­­­6
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
News
VIEW Clubs of Australia
February 2015
My Dad’s Diaries
Around the Clubs with Carole Smith
Well here we are back again for 2015 with lots of news
from our club Publicity Officers letting us know that
VIEW clubs are all looking forward to a successful year
of fun and friendship.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON
Zone VB01 which includes Berwick, Berwick Springs,
Cranbourne, Dandenong, Hastings, Mornington and
Springvale VIEW clubs is holding a Luncheon at Amstel
Golf Club, Cranbourne on March 3 commencing at 11am.
Visitors are very welcome to come and share the fun
and friendship that VIEW is noted for. Anyone wishing to
attend can contact Joan on 50799 2016.
BERWICK SPRINGS
Members
and
guests
thoroughly enjoyed their
Christmas luncheon. Club
member, Kerryn entertained
us with her beautiful voice
and led everyone in singing
Christmas Carols.
Santa
arrived to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas (see photo).
Our club meets on the third
Monday of the Monday at
Café Luca, 264 Clyde Road,
Berwick. Enquiries to Tricia
on 8786 5557.
BORONIA
A great Christmas luncheon was celebrated by our
members at the end of last year and we were entertained
by Dot Parker who has performed in many musicals and
also acts as a judge of amateur theatre. Our Christmas
raffle was so successful, 26 hampers went to various
members, many who had joined providing goodies for
the hampers. Our next big day for 2015 will be our 25th
birthday to be celebrated on March 20 which promises
to have a silver and black theme. Our speaker will be Ian
Crawford of Crawford Productions. For further details
contact Beth on 9874 7156.
BOX HILL/MITCHAM
Our club had a busy fun-filled last three months of 2014
which included a Sausage Sizzle, a cake stall, lunch at
Banksia Nursery in Knox, and Christmas lunch at Poppies
in South Blackburn. This year we have lunched at “Yours
Deliciously” in Forest Hill and early in February we are
lunching again at “Middle ground” Café at New Hope
Baptist Church in North Blackburn. Our first meeting for
2015 will be on Monday February 24 at 11am at Bucatini
Restaurant, 454 Whithorse Road, Mitcham. This will be
our 31st Birthday and will also include our Annual General
Meeting. New members are always made welcome. For
further details phone Elaine on 9878 3211.
DANDENONG
Our recent Christmas meeting was a great success with
musical entertainment and raffles. We now look forward
to inspiring meetings and activities in 2015, which have
already been planned by our very efficient Program
Officer Dorothy P. For our 29th birthday meeting on March
3 we are expecting lots of fun with a performance by the
Austrian Dancing Group. We meet on the first Tuesday of
every month and our first meeting for the year will be
February 3, at the Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street,
Dandenong at 7pm. This meeting will include our Annual
General Meeting. For further details contact Dianne on
9703 2516,
DONCASTER
Our club starts off 2015 with a catch up at a local café
and our first official meeting will be on February 17 at
The Manningham Club, 1 Thomsons Road, Bulleen.
Our speaker will be Jane Dickinson who will speak on
“Bringing Water to Thai Villages”. Anyone interested in
our meetings can call Laurice on 9877 3713.
Genealogy
HEIDELBERG
Our club meets on the second Wednesday of the month
at The Manningham Club in Bulleen, and our date for
February is Wednesday 11. Our meeting commences at
12 noon. They include a two-course luncheon followed
by a guest speaker. For further details contact Joan on
9459 3889
WAVERLEY
Our last meeting for the year was our Christmas
luncheon and once again the magnificent table settings
were designed by our Publicity Officer Gayle and ably
assisted by committee members on the day. We were
entertained by “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (see photo) and
some great raffle prizes were provided for the luncheon.
February 16 will be our
first meeting for 2015.
Early in the month we will
hold our regular coffee
and chat morning at Café
Prima in Mt Waverley
and later in the month to
celebrate International
Women’s Day we will hold
a Morning Tea in one of our member’s homes.
RINGWOOD
Next meting for our club will be Wednesday February 11
at 11am at Natalies, 669 Maroondah Highway, Mitcham.
This will be our Annual General Meeting so there will
be no guest speaker for this month. We will also visit
WarrenGlen Nursery in Warrandyte this month. For
details on our club phone Glenys on 9733 1888.
Material for next month’s column should reach me
no later than the second Thursday of the month at
[email protected] or any queries can reach
me on 0401486155.
The Waverley Retirement Activities Group
(WRAG) began in April 1974 and is the ‘umbrella
organisation’ for over 30 leisure activity Groups for
the ‘over 50s’ living in and around the Monash / Glen
Waverley area in Melbourne. We are a non-profit,
community-based organisation with over 350 members
run by volunteers with support from the Monash City
Council. Our activity Groups meet in Council halls, public
places and private homes. We assist in you meeting new
friends and making retirement more enjoyable.
Recent Events
It was with considerable delight we learned Anna Burke
(Member for Chisholm) had accepted our invitation to
attend our Xmas function for the purpose of presenting
Morrie with his Caroline Chisholm award.(The award
was collected on his behalf at the official presentation
ceremony during Morrie’s absence. i.e. Morrie was in
Queensland at the time.)
The Caroline Chisholm award, just to fill you in, is
presented to outstanding contributors in our community
by Ms Anna Burke MP, federal member for Chisholm. pic
left)
Morrie Wahner, currently one of our committee members
as our speaker organiser, as well as the Caravan and
Cabin convenor (Organising a holiday twice a year) and
the host for the monthly old time movies and armchair
travel sessions, was commended by Ms Burke for his
service to the WRAG Inc. organisation. Being a member
since 1989 Morrie has been active in most roles inclusive
of being president during the years 2003 and 2004. Our
sincere appreciation and congratulations go out to our
friend and mentor Morrie Wahner.
Christmas social
2014:
Fun was had by
all, what with
the dulcet tones
of the swing
masters,
great
food
prepared
by
Overton
catering and in
the company of
a brilliant crowd.
How could we go
wrong?
CONTACT US
Post: WRAG, PO Box 1015, GLEN WAVERLEY, Vic 3150.
Please contact any of our committee members if you
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­7
News
live in the Monash/Glen
Waverley area and wish to
find out more about the satisfaction of being a member
of WRAG.
Members of local senior citizens clubs and social clubs
most welcome. Membership is only $10 per year and
enables you to participate in all WRAG Activity Groups.
More details are available on our website: http://www.
wrag.org.au/
Our current committee is as follows:
President: Helmut M Ph. 9574-8090
Secretary: Bill S Ph. 9560-6350
Treasurer: Erica J Ph. 9878-1627
New Members Officer and Members Records: Erica J Ph.
9878-1627
Welfare secretary: Rae Y Ph.9802-8934
Catering officer: Heather B:PH.9802-9673
Speaker Organiser: Morrie W: PH.9560-0794
These are some of my Dad’s diaries
dating from 1931 to 1983
I am slowly transcribing my Dad’s
diaries, which he had kept from 1931
until his death in late 2009. He had his
first diary given to him for Christmas
1930 by his Aunt Emily when he was
nearly fourteen years old. This was the
year he finished attending his local
primary school. While working on the
family farm at Telford, he continued
further education by correspondence.
Those early diaries are like reading
a history book, as he mentions flights
of Kingsford Smith’s planes Southern
Cross and Southern Cloud along with
the many political affrays. He also
paints me a word picture of what life
was like then, especially within the
family. All the horse farm work is there,
in detail, along with his sport and
shooting adventures.
Dad loved riding his bike and all his
times are recorded when he raced
at local meets. His poor sisters are
only mentioned when they got taken
to school or collected the mail. Dad
always said that his Dad spoiled the
girls because he was made to walk the
three miles to school. He forgot to add,
he got his first bike when he was six
and could ride that to school. His sister
gave me this information many years
later.
I now know what the weather was like
from 1931 to 1981, with a few misses.
Each night when he had finished work,
out on the farm, the last thing for the
day was to sit with his feet in or on the
stove and write his diary. I can pick
the days when he must have been
exhausted because after the weather
entry it just states ‘shearing’ Other
days there is a long involved series of
events, including which paddock he
was working in. The information was
copied from his ‘Cooper’ books.
Over the war years his diaries do not
exist, so I do not know if they were ever
written. I have only one for 1943 when
he left the RAAF base at Townsville and
returned to Melbourne by train. He was
a patient at the Repatriation Hospital
based at the Ascot Vale Show grounds
for many months. Then we are missing
some which I know were in my parent’s
home, but my mum did not like his
frequent comments ‘I will look that
up in the diaries’ so I think she moved
some to the rubbish bin.
I do have all the ones from 1946 on
to the 1980s, when he sold the Soldier
Settlement farm in Western Victoria
and moved back to the Shepparton
area. They have made me smile as I
have been transcribing them, because
I know how hard life was at times, but
he could be so dry and factual. The
weather is the first entry, then farm
work and at the end of the day’s entry
we might find ‘baby born’.
As a small child I remember being
fascinated by how the men in my
father’s family seemed to know what
had happened 20 years ago, as if it was
happening today. I was often allowed
to draw in their Cooper’s books. These
were small books produced by Cooper’s
Dips which were given to farmers
each year. They were small enough for
farmers to keep in their top pocket.
They would also have this small pencil
in the same pocket. These books were
used to keep the running numbers,
tallies or wages while they were out on
the farm. If we, as small children, were
good in church we were allowed to
draw in my Grandpa’s Cooper’s book.
My Dad kept all his ‘Coopers’ books.
Each year’s books contain treasures of
animal and fodder prices for me to still
research. I doubt that he ever realized
the treasure he left for us, his children
and grandchildren, to understand
what life could be like.
This month’s author belongs to the Writer’s
Discussion Circle at the Genealogical Society
of Victoria. See www.gsv.org.au or email
[email protected] or phone (03) 9662 4455 for
information about the Society.
Wendy Pfeifer
Innovation to increase medicine
adherence
A new study from The Cochrane Library has revealed
that only half of patients are taking their medication
as prescribed1, and that GPs remain at a loss as to
how to address this concerning issue. Yet Aussie
innovation may offer the solution. MedAdvisor, an
Australian technology start up, delivers mobile and
web apps that offer patients an advanced yet easyto-use free tool to manage their medications.
GPs have voiced a concern over the longstanding
issue, an issue they seek interventions to address.
The study adds to the weight of US and international
research that show medication adherence problems
are one of the most costly issues for health systems
globally.
Melbourne-based MedAdvisor launched 12
months ago, with the aim of helping Australians
overcome some of the day-to-day challenges
of taking medication safely and effectively. It is
supported by an extensive network of group and
independent pharmacies across the country.
Through the system’s connection to pharmacies,
patients are provided with an automatic list of all
their medications, with live information about their
supply of each medication, scripts and repeats left
and full training on proper use of their medicines.
To date, more than 1,150 pharmacies have
connected to the MedAdvisor platform nationally
with over 50,000 patients already utilising the
technology.
GPs play a key role in recommending new
technologies to patients to help them manage
their medication, particularly for those patients
most likely to have trouble adhering to their
medications. Chronic, asymptomatic conditions
often present a significant adherence challenge, for
example common blood pressure and cholesterol
management medications do not present shortterm symptoms. If patients do not feel symptoms,
it can be all too easy to forget doses or go for days
without important medication.
The MedAdvisor apps give users an automatic list
of the patient’s prescription medications on their
smart phone, tablet, or PC web browser. Users can
view important information such as side effects and
effective usage tips as well as receiving automatic
reminders when supply is running low, when they
need to visit their doctor for new scripts, or when
it’s time to take each dose. The ‘Tap-to-Refill’
feature allows users to order their script repeats
remotely and then pick up the pre-filled scripts on
arrival at the pharmacy – not only of great benefit
to the customer, but helping pharmacies to drive
customer satisfaction. A feature called ‘Carer Mode’
allows carers to manage the medication of children
or elderly family members alongside their own
medicines.
he apps are available for download via either the
Apple App Store or Android ™ (Google Play) Store.
MedAdvisor is also accessible from any web browser
via PC or laptop at www.medadvisor.com.au.
For further information and to find a MedAdvisor
pharmacy, visit www.medadvisor.com.au.
Nieuwlaat R, Wilczynski N, Navarro T, Hobson N, Jeffery R, Keepanasseril A,
Agoritsas T, Mistry N, Iorio A, Jack S, Sivaramalingam B, Iserman E, Mustafa
RA, Jedraszewski D, Cotoi C, Haynes RB. Interventions for enhancing
medication adherence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014,
Issue 11. Art. No.: CD000011. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000011.pub4
Computer Tips
with Barry Coaker
How to force your
iPad to restart
With more and more of you switching from
Personal Computers and Laptops to Tablets for
your Internet experience, I thought from time
to time I would include some advice and help
on these portable devices.
If you are having a problem with an app and
closing it doesn’t fix the problem, or if you are
having any other type of problem, the best
step to take is to reboot the iPad. This will clear
out the available memory used by applications
and help give the iPad a fresh start.
This brief tutorial will explain how to force your
iPad to restart if it gets stuck or freezes up, and
Just to ease your mind – forcing your iPad to
restart will not cause any loss of data – with the
possible exception of any work you were doing
at the time the iPad and/or App froze, forcing
you to reboot it.
It’s actually very easy, once you know how to
do it.
1. Click and hold down the Sleep/Wake button
(located on the upper-right corner of your
iPad). While you’re holding down the Sleep/
Wake button, hold down the Home button as
well (located on the front of your iPad at the
bottom).
2. Hold down both buttons until your iPad
powers off. It will reboot and start again with a
small silver Apple image on the screen. It takes
about 30 seconds for the iPad to completely
start up again, ready for a fresh start.
‘100 day cough’ making a
comeback in Melbourne
Whooping cough is on the rise again, with
cases of the potentially deadly disease jumping
by more than 50% across Victoria over the last
year. The Victorian Chief Health Officer has issued
an advisory for doctors to be on the lookout for
potential cases, after 4,614 cases of pertussis
(whooping cough) were reported in 2014, up
from 2,926 in 2013.
Reported cases rose in all parts of the inner
north-west, including Melbourne (55 cases, up
77%), Yarra (59 cases, up 26%), Moonee Valley (36
cases, up 44%) and Moreland (62 cases, up 59%).
Reported cases have shot back up after actually
dropping back in 2013 from very high levels in
2012.
Inner North West Melbourne Medicare Local CEO
Associate Professor Christopher Carter said the
56% state-wide increase recorded among the 0 to
4 years of age group was particularly concerning.
“Infants and young children are especially at
risk of complications from pertussis, which can
include pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy
and even death,” A/Prof Carter said. Newborns
are particularly vulnerable, as the first dose of
pertussis vaccine cannot be given before six
weeks of age.
“That’s why it’s so important that we boost
immunisation rates in our community, not only
for the newborns themselves but also for all
the people that come into contact with them –
parents, siblings, grandparents and friends.”
It is advised that if you have any concerns or wish
more information to contact your local doctor to
discuss.
with this copy please sign and return by fax. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS AFTER THE AD HAS BEEN SIGNED OFF, OR IF CHANGES ARE
MADE TO COPY AFTER THE PAPER HAS GONE TO PRESS.
Fifty~Plus
News IS.........................................................
­­­­­8LAST
DATE FOR CHANGES
News
February 2015
Enjoy the best of retirement living...
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Units available for sale now
Independent Living Units
148 Strata Title Units
Many sizes and styles to choose from
Emergency call pendant
Superb parkland to take your pet and meet residents
Join in with Social Activities and exercise programs
Community Bus for shopping
Great Community atmosphere
Close to shops, medical facilities and restaurants
RVA Accredited
Call in to meet our friendly staff to show you why you should make
Valley Village Mews your place to call home.
PHONE: 9793 3354
Email: [email protected] Web: www.valleyvillagemews.com.au
Valley Village Mews, 112 Stud Road, Dandenong
U3A NEWS
This year marks the celebration of 30 years of U3A
in Australia. The organisation began here with U3A
Melbourne City, Hawthorn, Ringwood and Monash
back in 1985 and has grown to 105 Member branches in
Victoria alone. What astonishing progress! U3A Network
Vic has sponsored this growth and is supporting the
evolution of regional networks across the state. The
biennial conference to be held in August will celebrate
these 30 remarkable years whilst showcasing the many
initiatives that illustrate U3As orientation towards the
future.
Recognition for volunteer
work
In recognition of the many
hours of service she has
given U3A, Elsie Mutton,
our president, received a
certificate of recognition as
one of four finalists for the
Dame Elizabeth Murdoch
Victorian Volunteer of the
Year Award. (pic Elsie Mutton
honourable president U3A
Network Vic.)
Around the U3As
U3A Bright Woodworkers have a grant from the Alpine
Shire to renovate their container home. U3A Deepdene
classes have been remembering the outer circle railway
that opened in 1890 and finally shutdown in 1943 when
the Whitehorse Road railway crossing was closed and the
Deepdene Dasher ran no more. Other Deepdeners have
been looking to the constellations of stars and learning of
Mars rovers, landing on comets and total lunar eclipses.
Highvale members are studying Russian language and
culture.
At U3A Nunawading 21 members went bush to study
the geology of the Flinders Ranges whilst back home
the Silver Grove Swing Band kept members dancing.
At U3A Upper Yarra they have been photo-shopping,
discovering gem stones, blacksmithing at the forge,
identifying eucalypts and following the history of
Womens’ Suffrage. At Lakes Entrance pergamano has
many members engrossed whilst other are using internet
supplied documentaries to study the first four billion
years of Australia’s history.
At Castlemaine they have been on line with Coursera
so as to mine the minds of the world’s great professors,
while a local tutor has shared his knowledge of the
history of Ukraine. Other U3A Castlemaine members
have won photography and digital imaging prizes
and yet others have followed the spread of the English
language through the ages and across the world. Music
A VILLAGE BUILT
AROUND BEAUTIFUL
PARKLAND
...at Valley Village Mews
Contact U3A for details of your nearest Club.
Postal Address 8/341 Queen Street Melbourne
PH: (03) 9670 3659
Email: [email protected] Web: u3avictoria.com.au
is a big part of what U3A Castlemaine members enjoy;
the choir has been performing in library and the Botanic
gardens, and is a real feature of their community’s festive
celebrations. Meanwhile their Opera class has been
enjoying the Metropolitan Opera whilst the Singing
together group keeps in tune. In 2015, to complete this
musical feast, the Magical Musical Tour will again travel
where their desires take them in the labyrinthine world
of music.
skills. An active guitar group further enhances the
musical contribution of Lakes Entrance members.
Enrolment and Class allocation going digital
U3A Member branches are now able to access a
Standardised Member Management System. Such
software developed at the behest of U3A Network Vic will
enable more efficient enrolment procedures and course
management. Nunawading, Whittlesea and Mornington
are all adopting this software during 2015.
U3A Mornington Expo – in
the spirit of Montmartre Mornington U3A had a ball at
their Spring Expo on Sunday 9 November at the Peninsula
Community Theatre. Recently elected Mayor Bev Colomb
opened the Expo and congratulated U3A members on
their spectacular displays and excellent turnout for the
Event. She said ‘it reflected the increasing activities of U3A
within the community and the importance of continuing
learning.’ Endorsing a key theme of U3A activities about
our ongoing capacity to learn as we age, she said ‘we all
need to “Use it or Lose it” as we get older.’
Tutors and members gave impromptu performances
of music, ballroom-dancing and fan dancing between
the gingham clad tables of the Parisienne-styled Café
Montmartre. Fluent speaking members of the U3A French
classes mingled with visitors and companions wearing
French berets, chic pencil skirts and fishnet stockings.
Alongside the café and in the spirit of Montmartre,
visitors enjoyed an impressive exhibition of member’s
paintings showing works in oil, acrylics, water colour and
drawings.
The displays of main sponsors Bendigo Bank, Mornington
and David Morris MP, the main hall was a major spectacle.
Underneath large over-hanging hand-crafted quilts, U3A
President Hans Eisen welcomed visitors and thanked
all members for their involvement. The large computer
course stand backed onto displays from the sciences:
astronomy, aviation, electricity, amateur radio. Many
visitors joined in the ongoing games of Bridge, Mah-jong,
Chess, not so trivial Trivia, while others tried their hand at
juggling. On stage throughout the day, everyone enjoyed
singing for fun and exercise demonstrations of Tai Chi,
Line dancing and Shake Rattle and Roll. Below the stage,
the quality of craft was
the main attraction with
beautiful patchwork,
excellent cross stitch,
silk art and sculptures
on display.
U3A Latrobe Valley Turns 25
Members of LVU3A were out to lunch in style on Friday
21 November for a combined end of year Christmas
luncheon and a birthday party.
Entertained by a repertoire of Irish
tunes played by Paddy O’Dowd
with his guitar and penny whistle,
members enjoyed a delicious
lunch. With the coffee came gifts of
home-made cumquat marmalade
and the presentation of U3ALV
booklet which documents branch’s
first 25 years. Present supervising
the lunchtime sign-in was U3ALV’s
first member, Mavis Lynch!
Mavis Lynch a founding and continuing member of U3A
Latrobe Valley in 1990 cuts the cake
It’s never too late to learn
U3A Bendigo has a regular swimming class. Barbara
the tutor, who admits to being over 80, derives great
satisfaction from seeing the sense of achievement gained
by her pupils as, with persistence they finally master
swimming. After decades of watching from the bank, her
students now can truly get into the swim of things.
Music to our ears
U3A Lakes Entrance has added Playalong to their musical
offerings. Using a mixture of instruments – guitars, piano
accordion, flute, banjo, harp, recorder, piano, clappers
as well as voices, the group now has a repertoire of 35
songs. All participants reap a benefit from making music
together. For many of us this has been a great opportunity
to learn to play while for others to consolidate existing
One year old U3A Dunmunkle
has
shop-fronted
their
community taking over a
local shop to advertise their
programs and not just for
Christmas, all year round.
Used with permission of
Mornington News where
a version of this article
appeared in Novmeber 2014).
News
February 2015
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­9
Managing
Money
Are you looking out for the 2015 Economic
Forecasts?
At this time of the year we have already made our New Year’s Resolutions, which
sees us dusting off our gym gear, implementing a new diet and... that’s right, looking
out for the economic predictions for 2015!
Each year The Age/Sydney Morning Herald publishes their ‘Economic Survey’, which
aims to give investors a clear picture of the economic and financial landscape for the
year. The survey is yet to be published this year, but we wait in anticipation for the
predictions. This is because the survey’s results are determined by obtaining forecasts
from 20 of Australia’s leading economists. So, for any investors prudently managing
their portfolio, they should take head from these ‘experts’ right?
Well, before we start making major changes to our invest portfolio, let’s consider the
results of the past...
One of the key forecasts that interest investors is the prediction of the Australian share
market. We would hope that the nation’s best economists would be able to give us an
indication of what the ASX200 will do (the ASX200 is an index that represents the top
200 companies listed on the Australian stock market). I have looked at the average
predictions and subsequent results for the last 7 years.
• In 2008, on average Australia’s best economists in the survey predicted that the
ASX200 would rise by 8%. It went down by 41%!
• In 2009, on average they predicted the ASX200 would be flat. It increased by 31%!
• In 2010, on average they predicted the ASX200 would rise by 6%. It went down by
2.6%.
• In 2011, on average they predicted the ASX200 would rise by 9%. It went down by
15%!
• In 2012, on average they predicted the ASX200 would rise by 11%. It increased by
with Thabojan Rasiah
15%... pretty good forecast.
In 2013, on average they predicted the ASX200 would rise by 4%. It increased by
15%!
• In 2014, on average they predicted the ASX200 would rise by 7%. It was flat!
In summary, out of the last 7 years:
- They predicted the ASX200 accurately 1 year out of 7.
- In 5 out of the 7 years, they didn’t even get the direction right!
- It seems like each year, the economists simply make a ‘safe’ prediction that the
sharemarket is going to rise by around 5-10%.
Thus, it looks like we can’t rely on their sharemarket predictions.
But, surely they can predict other economic indicators right? Well, the results are just
as bad for the forecasts of most of the economic variables. When it comes to factors like
interest rates and exchange rates, the economists find it even harder to predict what
will happen.
I’m not very surprised by these results, having spent a number of years studying
financial econometrics. This involved studying financial data and building models
which aim to predict future movements. The biggest thing I learned is that no matter
how complicated the models were they were unable to predict the future. The very
nature of the future is that it is uncertain and unpredictable. As investors, what we
need to do is NOT worry about predicting the future, but constructing our portfolios in
such a way that we understand the risks. And that no matter what the future holds, any
impact on our investments will not impact what we have planned in our lives.
•
Thabojan Rasiah is a highly regarded financial adviser and commentator. If you would like to clarify your position,
get a second opinion or review opportunities available to you, we offer an obligation free private discussion. To
arrange, contact Thabojan on 03 9649 2400 or send an email to [email protected]
Ageing and Sexuality
The need for intimacy is fundamental human
desire – whatever your age or gender. Not
only does a healthy love life enhance your
relationship but research shows sex can protect
and boost your immune system, improve your
physical and mental health and help you keep
young for longer!
However, the ageing process can present
special challenges for those wanting to continue
to be sexual as they get older. Many people
feel discouraged by issues relating to changes
in their physical, mental and social life. The
good news is that most of these issues are not
insurmountable – with an open mind, proper
information and a willingness to adapt and try
new things an increasing number of people are
enjoying the benefits of a full and active sex life
well into their later years.
AISHM (Australasian Institute of Sexual Health
Medicine) believe you should be able to enjoy
your sex life for as long as you have the desire.
Certainly, you will experience changes – sex in
your eighties will be a very different experience
to when you were in your twenties. But, while
ageing involves a normal slowing of response
the benefits of being older often add a new
dimension to making love not present during
the ardour of youth. Older people are often more
confident and relaxed about their bodies and
care less about what society deems to be right
or beautiful. Many feel a new lease of life once
children have left home or work responsibilities
have lightened and are better able to devote
time and effort to their sexual and romantic lives
along with other pleasurable pursuits.
And statistics show that regular sexual activity
helps maintain sexual ability and couples
who have been sexually active through their
lives typically continue their interest and
responsiveness into late age. Sadly however
some older people will shy away from sexual
encounters for a number of reasons including
worries about:
• Lack of confidence as body ages and
changes shape
• Performance anxiety including the
inability to have and maintain erections
for men
•
Difficulties with arousal and lubrication
for women (especially post menopause)
• Drop in desire
• Pain from illness, injury and wear and
tear (arthritis, diabetes, heart disease
etc)
• The negative effects of medications
(including pain killers, anti-depressants,
heart medication etc)
• Pressure from society to no longer be
sexual
• Grief and loss issues following the
death of a partner
• Lack of privacy
• Social Isolation
• Depression, fatigue and mood swings
• Relationship changes associated with
illness and disability (ie roles change
from lover to caregiver/patient)
• Embarrassment
associated
with
incontinence and other bodily
functions affected by age
Now for the good news, for many of these
issues there is help available. One practical
example is the recently created resource the
Comfy Sex Guide. The guide shows ways that
those who are older or suffer from pain can
adjust sex to make it more comfortable and
pleasurable. It can be downloaded for FREE
from the www. www.aishm.com.au/resources/
Importantly, whether you are wanting to restart
or enhance your love-life or are hoping to start
a new relationship but feel you lack the tools to
do so, it is important to seek professional help if
you feel you need it. With accurate information
and the right support your later years can be as
sexually satisfying as your youth!
AISHM have qualified practitioners and offer
a national service with appointments available
in-clinic, by phone and even skype. For more
information please phone 02 9212 2301 or visit
www.aishm.com.au/contact/
Author – Brett McCann
Brett McCann is an eminently qualified counsellor, supervisor
and educator with more than 20 years’ experience in the field
of sexual health. In conjunction with his clinical practice Brett
is chief executive of the not‐for‐profit organisation, Impotence
Australia and current President of the Australian Society of Sex
Educators, Researchers and Therapists (NSW).
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­­­­­10
News
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
February 2015
Angels on Earth.
We have been in business for ourselves for
over thirty years in three different countries
and are still amazed when we come across
what we call “Angels on Earth”. These are
very special people in many ways. Why? They
have not forgotten the selfless and sacrificial
upbringing that their parents gave to them in
their younger years.
Mum and Dad when bringing up the kids
were also at the time in their lives when the
mortgage had to be paid. Mum was at home
with the little ones and doing it hard on
Dad’s single income. Overtime for him was a
blessing but more work for Mum as she had to
look after the kids on her own for many more
hours.
Other parent’s lives may have been vastly
different to this. Some better, some not. Real
disposable incomes 50 years ago were so very
far below those of today. But all went well. It
(nearly) always does. The parents performed
like the stars that all parents are and the
youngsters grew up well fed and well loved.
The next huge sacrifice by many parents
has and always will be, finding the money
to put the now almost “adult” kids through
college. This can be many, many thousands of
dollars and not all get through and succeed
but Mum and Dad have done their best. Now
the youngsters are off into the big world to
make their own way, their own families and
successes.
Mum and Dad are now having a few years to
get ready for retirement. Money may be very
tight if there has only been one breadwinner
over the years. Super may be short for
retirement as much money was spent on
schooling and college fees.
Sadly it is also the time of life that a
percentage of partners pass away. I myself am
66 and when I last looked at relevant figures it
indicated that 25% of the children that I was
at school with are no longer with us. With my
work I often go into retirement homes and
villages. The single person occupation almost
always seems to be higher than couples in the
older age group.
But this is where we meet the “Angels on
Earth”. They are the Kids!
The children have not forgotten mum and
dad. They are there, taking them to the shops,
the cinema, perhaps the R.S.L. or the local
pokies for a flutter. Walking or driving may
now be a huge problem for the parent or
parents and a trip out for coffee and cakes
may be the highlight of the week. Mum and
Dad need this contact and will wait by the
phone waiting for it to ring. All they need to
hear is: “Hi Mum/Dad, how are you today?”
In my business when the phone rings and
the caller says: “Mum/Dad can’t afford a
Scooter but needs one. If I pay, can you help?”,
then I know I have just been touched by an
“Angel on Earth”
Well done, Angels. You are wonderful people.
Bill Bateman Mobility Online. Werribee
Sociable Senior Singles
Friends Getting Together Inc is a social
group for singles age 55 plus. We have been
based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne
for 20 years. There are approximately
30 activities per month and low fees for
members.
Details: Janice 9888 2759 or Lee 0402 824
834
Check out our website too www.
friendsgettingtogether.org.au
Community
The Association of Independent Retirees (A.I.R) is a
national, voluntary, not-for-profit advocacy group for
people who are fully or partly self-funded in retirement.
The Melbourne Eastern Branch of A.I.R meets on the first
Friday of every month (except January) in the Senior
Citizens Hall, Silver Grove, Nunawading – Melway 48
E9. Meetings commence at 10am. After discussion and
morning tea, we have an invited speaker from 11am until
we finish at 12pm. Our speaker’s topics cover income,
health and lifestyle issues. Visitors and pre-retirees are
most welcome. For further details phone Marilyn on
97260848 or email [email protected].
A Wedding Shared at Montefiore
By Donna Surdut
first time in
“The nachas was tangible”, said resident Mrs Yeva Guler.
For the
many decades, a wedding
took place in the garden
at
Montefiore
Homes
Community Residence, and
what a simcha it was!
Smorgon Nursing Home
Nurse, Natasha Katz, 24,
decided she would celebrate
her wedding with the people
she cares for on a daily basis,
who have become her
extended family.
“There wasn’t a second
thought about where our
simcha would be held
– we wanted to share in
our special day with the
residents, and I knew the Monte plaza and garden would
be the perfect place”, said Natasha.
Sunday, November 30, she walked down the aisle in the
tranquil and transformed garden at Montefiore Homes, with
family, friends, residents and staff sharing in this beautiful
simcha. From the emotional bedeken (the ceremony where
the groom veils the bride) to Natasha and her groom,
Tuyva Garfinkel exchanging their vows, it truly was a joyous
occasion.
I could not stop smiling and felt the beauty and warmth
of the day. Our nurse Natasha was a beautiful bride and
is a unique girl, she adds. “She walked into the plaza and
everyone gasped and I know I shed a few tears!”
The Katz and Garfinkel families are so proud of Natasha
and Tuvya’s decision to have shared their wedding day in
this way, making the simcha even more memorable for
them and certainly an unforgettable occasion at Jewish
Care.
They also organised and sponsored a delicious afternoon
tea for staff and residents in honour of their simcha.
Photos of the wedding can be seen on the Jewish Care
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/jewishcarevictoria
Advance Care Planning is about planning ahead for a time
when individuals may become too sick to make medical
decisions for themselves. It assists people with thinking
about Medical Enduring Powers of Attorney and making
their values and preferences known in order to guide future
medical and lifestyle decisions. At Alfred Health we have a
program to assist people through this process. Advance Care Planning is a process that ensures those
people close to you and those caring for you know what
is important to you and how you want to be treated if you
become unable to make decisions or communicate your
wishes. Advance Care Planning can include:
A. Appointing a substitute decision maker (Medical Enduring
Power of Attorney)
C. Chat and Communicate
P. Put it on Paper
Eminent speakers address our Annual Seminar and social
events are held at venues of interest to members.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MS COMMUNITY VISITORS
SCHEME
The MS Community Visitors Scheme is seeking volunteers
for their program in metropolitan and rural Melbourne.
The scheme provides volunteer visitors to residents in
their own home, aged care homes, one-on-one and
groups who are socially isolated and whose quality of life
would be improved by friendship and companionship.
The Alfred Health Advance Care Planning Program offer free
Community Information Sessions to provide people with
information about Advance Care Planning and how to go
about completing it. Advance Care Planning Community Information Session
Date; Thursday 12th March 2015
Time; 10:30am-12pm
Location; Caulfield Hospital
260 Kooyong Road, Caulfield
RSVP essential
To RSVP or for any further information on Advance Care
Planning please contact; [email protected].
au or telephone - 9076 6642
To enquire if your organisation qualifies for a free listing on this page or to become
a “Champion for the page’ email [email protected] or send details to PO
Box 473, Hastings Vic 3915 by the 15th of each month. I welcome all enquiries for this
community service.
Mrs Millist. “I recommend the experience to all.
“Of some of the people waiting for a visitor we currently
have a past Melbourne Grammar School teacher
who was also involved with the Melbourne Grammar
Dinosaurs Club. His health has declined and is unable to
study and would really enjoy someone spending time to
read Charles Dickens books to him in Camberwell. We
have another opportunity in Box Hill where we require a
volunteer to spend just 15 minutes for a chat with a small
group of residents” said Ms Tawfik
“We require volunteers in Melbourne, Frankston,
Gippsland and Mildura who have time to contribute on
a fortnightly basis, enjoy talking or spending quality
time with older community members,” says Esis Tawfik,
Manager, Community Visitors Scheme. In some areas
we would like more male volunteers to give another
bloke friendship, as often women step into these roles
first, but both are welcome and are in need. We also find
volunteers who speak languages other than English are
in very high demand.” says Ms Tawfik.
“Volunteers can visit residents at a mutually convenient
time in aged care facilities or in their home. All we ask
is that the volunteers visit the residents at least once
a fortnight and a commitment of at least 12 months..
The difference a caring visitor can make for our older
community members simply by talking and spending
time together is invaluable. We have volunteers who
take their pets in or even their young children” added Ms
Tawfik
One such wonderful retired volunteer is Barbara Millist,
who has been visiting residents in aged care homes for
the past 13 years. Barbara says “it’s a mutually beneficial
privilege to share special moments with the residents,
make friendships and hear about their life stories”, said
calls to older Australians to check on their wellbeing. This
helps them to live independently and remain connected
to the community.
2. Are you an animal lover? Help scientists who study
penguins in the coldest parts of the world by annotating
their images of wildlife in Antarctica and the Southern
Ocean, all from the comfort of your own home.
3. Are you a natural history buff? You can assist the
Australian Museum by transcribing specimen labels,
field notes and diaries. This helps to unlock the hidden
knowledge in their vast collections and it can all be done
via computer.
4. Want to help people in developing countries? You can
assist the United Nations with their work in developing
countries. If you have skills in writing, editing, design,
research or translation, then the UN wants you as a
virtual volunteer.
5. Are you a bibliophile? You can help the State Library
of WA by volunteering to transcribe 70,000 hand-written
WA Biographical Index (WABI) cards. No matter where
you live in Australia you can give them a hand online.
Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group Inc.
The Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group was formed
in 1996 and currently has 128 members both men and
women throughout the metropolitan area, country
Victoria and even a few interstate. Those who are able
attend meetings in Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane,
Melbourne on the 3rd Tuesday every second month,
from February, at 1.30pm. Guest speakers of interest
present at these meetings and members are sent Minutes
of the Meetings plus a newsletter with information
about treatments and research relative to osteoporosis,
gathered from here and overseas.
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­11
This is our new Community page bringing you information on smaller organisations
and / or services within the community you may not be aware of. The listings here are
free. Advertisers on this page are ‘Champions’ for the page. Please support them where
possible and in doing so help listed organisations and those they assist.
Victoria Chorale welcomes new singers, particularly
tenors and basses, to sing in their exciting 2015 program,
which includes music by Schubert and Mozart, Bach and
Bruckner. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7.30 - 10.00
7.30 - 10.00pm at St Columbs Church Hall, Hawthorn. For
more information contact Judy on 0419 310 289 0419
310 289 or [email protected].
More information is available from our website www.
melbosg.org.au New members are always welcome and
enquiries may be made by phone to Beryl Logie on 98852839 or by email to [email protected]
Advance Care Planning
News
MS has been an auspice of the Community Visitors
Scheme since inception in 1992. The program provides
services to over 600 recipients across Victoria and NSW.
About Multiple Sclerosis:
MS is a chronic disease that randomly attacks the central
nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves)
stopping the brain communicating with the rest of the
body. The consequences can include extreme fatigue and
chronic pain, vision, cognitive, continence and mobility
issues, right through to total and permanent disability.
MS is a lifelong disease for which there is no known
cause or cure. 1,000 Australians are diagnosed with MS
every year, equating to approximately four people every
working day. Diagnosis of MS is typically between 20 and
40 years of age. Three quarters of people living with MS
are women. No two cases of MS are identical. The visible
and hidden symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary
from person to person and from time to time in the same
person. MS is estimated to cost Australia over $1 billion
each year. 50-80% of people with MS cease to work fulltime within 10 years of diagnosis.
For further information contact: Esis Tawfik, Manager,
Community Visitors Scheme MS - ACT/NSW/VIC
T: 03 9845 2729 F: 03 9845 2777
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130
email: [email protected]
Web: www.ms.org.au
“Hundreds of thousands of Australians have checked
out the normal volunteering opportunities at our
DoSomethingNearYou website, but increasingly people
are asking us for volunteering opportunities that they
can do online or over the phone,” said DoSomething
Founder Jon Dee.
“Younger Australians in particular are keen to use their
internet and computer skills to give back and volunteer
in new ways,” said Mr Dee. “All that is required is a working
internet connection and a computer, which are available
from local libraries.
“With virtual volunteering, you don’t have to be fit or
outgoing, or be able to drive a car. People with disabilities
or mobility restrictions can also get involved. All it takes is
some spare time, whenever you happen to be available
and that can be a little time or lots, whatever you can
give.”
The DoSomethingNearYou.com.au website shows
people where they can volunteer in all 16,000 suburbs
around Australia. The site operates thanks to funding and
support from ALDI Australia.
“As a principal supporter of DoSomethingNearYou, ALDI
Australia supports the charity’s website as well as a series
of annual events.”
From helping out at local sports clubs, to volunteering
with op shops and environmental charities, there is
something listed for every age and skill set. People
can find virtual volunteering opportunities at
DoSomethingNearYou.com.au
Volunteer in your pyjamas!
Think of volunteering and you picture people delivering
Meals on Wheels or helping out in a charity op shop.
But in today’s busy world, you’ll also see volunteers in
their pyjamas! More and more people are starting to
volunteer their time online or on the phone. It’s called
‘virtual volunteering’ and you can participate any time,
day or night. It’s been popular for some time in other
parts of the world, but is only now starting to take off in
Australia.
The charity DoSomething is calling on busy Australians
to think about becoming a virtual volunteer. Their
DoSomethingNearYou.com.au website is now listing
virtual volunteering opportunities such as:
1. Five minutes to spare with a phone? Help the Red Cross
by becoming a Telecross volunteer. Make daily phone
SANDY BAY PROBUS CLUB - A very active combined
Club. A place for men and women to enjoy their new
free time following retirement from the workforce. We
invite new members to join a congenial atmosphere
on the third Tuesday morning of each month at
Sandringham Yacht Club to hear interesting Speakers
talk on a variety of topics. Members enjoy regular DineOuts at local restaurants, attend current Movies and
popular Live Theatre productions, Day Trips to places of
interest and also short stay holiday trips away. Probus
is a welcoming organisation for people who want to
remain active and maintain a social network. Anyone
interested in joining Sandy Bay Probus Club or would
like more information, could phone the Vice President
95854169.
­­­­­12
News
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
In previous articles, I’ve referred to the booklet we produced some time back, “Fatal
Real Estate Traps Exposed”. Here are just some of things you have to get right BEFORE
the first buyer walks through your doors: the pricing, the agent, the commission fee,
the marketing, the presentation, the copywriting, the photography, all your Section 32
paperwork. For starters!
And what about the processes once your marketing begins? How are offers going
to be dealt with? Who is in charge of the negotiations? Is there transparency? Do you
KNOW beyond doubt that every buyer has put their MAXIMUM offer forward?
By the way, of the 15 Fatal Traps we write about in our book, 4 of them are about
pricing your property correctly, another 4 are about agent selection, plus 3 on
marketing and advertising, 1 on commission (a very important consideration), and
more. If you want to learn about them all, ring me and I’ll send you a free copy of the
booklet. Knowledge is power!
Meantime, there are buoyant signs in the market in these first weeks of 2015. Interest
rates remain stable. Housing approvals are healthy. There’s encouraging buyer enquiry
across the spectrum of property. Even the banks are feeling more kindly (for the time
being). And as far as I know, in the entire history of humanity, people have never once
stopped wanting to buy houses to live in!
So, finally, here’s the Q and the A: when would NOW be a great time to consider
selling?
Thoreau said, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and
endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success
unexpected in common hours.”
Peter Byrne
Vendor Advocacy Australia
www.vendoradvocacy.com.au
[email protected]
Contact number 0428 963 963
Peter is a Melbourne broadcaster, real estate writer and practitioner.
He contributes regularly to ‘Fifty~Plus News’ on real estate matters,
particularly as they affect older Victorians.
Elder abuse is a family violence
issue too
Royal Commission into Family
Violence must address it.
Seniors
Rights
Victoria
welcomes the announcement of
the Terms of Reference for the
Royal Commission into Family
Violence, but says it must address
elder abuse too.
‘Women and children suffer
enormously from family violence,
but thousands of older people
are suffering as well. Elder abuse
must be recognised as a serious
family violence issue, and older
people should be encouraged
to speak up,’ said Seniors Rights
Victoria‘s Manager, Jenny Blakey.
Elder abuse is defined as any
act which causes harm to an
older person and is carried out
by someone they know and trust,
such as a family member or friend.
The abuse may be physical, social,
financial, psychological or sexual
and can include mistreatment
and neglect. While it is vastly
under-reported, it is estimated
that up to 10 per cent of older
people worldwide suffer from
elder abuse (WHO).
Seniors Rights Victoria received
thousands of telephone calls on
its Helpline last year. Financial
and
emotional/psychological
abuses were the most common
forms of abuse reported, with
adult children the most common
perpetrators. Women made
up 72 per cent of callers, and a
significant number of clients were
from culturally and linguistically
diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Elder abuse will increase in
Australia as our population ages.
‘Many
people
lack
understanding of elder abuse.
There must be greater resources
dedicated to raising awareness
of this terrible problem, and law
and policy responses that are
sensitive to the particular needs
of older people, said Ms Blakey,
‘In accordance with its Terms of
Reference, the Royal Commission
could look, for example, at how
elder abuse can be prevented
and how victims can be better
supported to access justice,.
More education of politicians and
the community is vital too.’
Seniors Rights Victoria provides
information, support, advice and
education to help prevent elder
abuse and safeguard the rights,
dignity and independence of
older people. Services include
the Helpline, specialist legal
services, short-term support and
advocacy for individuals and
community and professional
education. Seniors Rights Victoria
also provides leadership on
policy and law reform and works
with organisations and groups to
raise awareness of elder abuse.
The helpline number is 1300
368 821 or you can check out the
website www.seniorsrights.org.
au
FREE 6-week course
Thursdays 11am–1pm
Introduction to Social Media
Free workshops for women over 60 years
• Learn at your own pace (max. 6 participants)
• Stay connected to friends & family
• Overcome your fears of social media
• Learn in a friendly, supportive environment
FREE 6-WEEK COURSE @ WIRE
Course dates: Thursdays 26 February to 2 April 2015
Time: 11am - 1pm
Venue: WIRE 372 Spencer Street, West Melbourne
Bookings essential: 9348 9416 (Press 2)/ [email protected]
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Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­13
FOR WRITERS AND READERS
When is a good time to sell my home?
Hello again, and (a little belatedly) happy New Year.
Summer is always an interesting time in real estate. It’s certainly a great time to buy
real estate. Many home sellers from last year perhaps got their properties on the
market a little late, after the spring surge, and they remain unsold in January. A lot of
them bought first and are now committed to other properties, or they already have
their children booked into new schools in a few weeks, and are very, very keen to
relocate, and fast! So there are usually bargains to be had, if you are a buyer at this time
(especially if you can offer short settlement).
Curiously enough, however, it’s also a good time to be selling. In a very real sense, the
answer to the question I’m posing in this issue’s headline is - NOW!
The laws of supply and demand work not only with crude oil, bananas and airfares
to the Gold Coast. They work in real estate too. After the glut of homes that reach
the market in spring, creating a massive flurry of activity, many buyers coming to the
marketplace now can’t find what they’re looking for. In the suburbs they’re searching
in, all the houses that were on the market before Christmas now have SOLD signs on
their boards.
If you’ve looked around in your own area, chances are that most of the homes which
came on the market near you last year (your potential competitors) are now no longer
available. Someone looking now in your street, your locale, your suburb, may only
have a fraction of the homes to look at that were there in spring. But they still need
to buy - their kids start school there in February, they’ve been transferred to a new
job nearby, they themselves sold last year, they’re all cashed up and are still looking
for that perfect home (and are now starting to wake up during the night in a nervous
sweat!)
As a homeseller, this spells o.p.p.o.r.t.u.n.i.t.y for you.
But - and it’s a big BUT - you can’t just throw up a “For Sale” board, brace yourself
for the onslaught and hope for the best. There’s a lot to consider, because your sale
proceeds probably have to fund the rest of your life! Real estate’s a minefield, with
pitfalls at every step for the inexperienced, and Golden Rule Number One applies never lose money!
Lifestyle
February 2015
• Create digital art for
your friends and family
• Compile digital photo
albums to print out or
share online
Plus much much more!
Kindly funded by
WIRE Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc. Reg. No. A122 ABN 98 957 157 895
The Row Next Door
A wail shattered the night, a loud passionate complaint about
something delivered ‘fortissimo’. Attached were unintelligible
words, delivered loudly and rapidly in Italian.
It was a warm summer night when mot windows were left
open. The wail was repeated and repeated again. Our new
neighbours were having a first class row.
They had moved in a month ago. My wife had welcomed
them with a small fruit cake and was thanked in excellent
through accented English. The wife always smiled and said hello
whenever we met. Her husband, who apparently worked long
hours, usually returned after dark. They appeared to be excellent
neighbours, friendly, never intrusive and until this night, quiet.
The row went on for about fifteen minutes. The argument, a
feeble word akin to describing an eruption of Vesuvius as a burp,
was conducted in the emotional tonality of Verdi and Puccini.
Words such as ‘molto miseria’, ‘merda’, ‘rompere’ delivered
‘basso profundo’ by the husband were interspersed with ‘c’e
no problema’, ‘alimentari’, ‘supermercato’ and ‘’poco spenda’
shouted by his wife. Then with several ‘va bene’s’and ‘caro mias’
silence reigned.
The row intrigued me. If this developed into violence I felt
we should be able to stand up in a court of law and explain
its background. My wife, however, claimed it was none of our
business. Despite this I felt cheated. If we were to have our
eardrums assailed the least the protagonists could do was
to conduct it in English. I pointed out English translations of
what was being said were always displayed aboe an opera
stage. Probably because she was losing the argument, my wife
retired to bed leaving me to speculate why a pleasant couple
would explode so suddenly. Perhaps an affair of his had been
discovered – he was Latin after all – but no, he had started the
shouting. What about her having taken a lover? Unlikely, she
was no Sofia Loren and such rows don’t run their course in
fifteen minutes. Perhaps she told him her mother was coming
to stay with them?
Other far-fetched possibilities were considered but as the wine
bottle was empty, I went off to bed wondering aloud about the
cause of the row. The other occupant of the bed was of no use,
refusing to raise her eyes from her book.
All was quiet in the next four weeks. We waved to the
neighbours next door and, on one occasion, were presented
Get WRAPped up in Beechworth
with a small bottle of preserved olives. While thanking the lady
next door for the gift we learned her husband ran a wholesaling
business importing ceramic tiles, one of their sons was in the
Australian army and the other at university. Then, about a
month after the first argument, the performance was repeated
or, to put it bluntly, ‘hell broke out’ again next door.
We were sitting around our barbeque waiting for steaks to cook
when the first wails of anguish split the air. The couple who were
our guests were initially astonished but waved our apologies
aside and declined an invitation to move indoors. Then, as the
wails segued into vituperative adjectives and recriminations, I
had a ‘Eureka moment’. Joe the male half of our visitors was of
Italian descent. Perhaps he had learned the language from his
grandparents?
My next move called for tact, something usually foreign to
me. My wife, after several of my attempts to evaluate possible
causes of the arguments next door, had prohibited any further
discussion about the matter, a decree which had the power of a
papal interdiction. Waiting until Joe looked up from studying his
shoes I indicated I’d like a quiet word. When he had joined me, I
apologised for the noise, said they were really a nice couple and
assured him things would quieten down soon. Incidentally did
he understand what they were saying?
He did.
I said they had a similar fight about a month ago.
He said they had referred to their earlier row a few seconds
ago.
As a matter of interest, was he able to hear what the argument
was about?
He did.
“Well, what was it that caused this dreadful racket? Is one of
them having an affair? Was there a problem about the business?
Is it about her in-laws?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“Well, come on, Joe, stop your bloody grinning and tell me
what it is about?”
“Their Visa card account has just arrived.”
Writers, readers and poets will be converging in
Beechworth for the 5th annual WRAP Weekend on
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2015. The Writers,
Readers and Poets’ (WRAP) Weekend will bring
together talented writers from across Australia
to share their love of literature in readings and
workshops.
With a host of activities being held throughout
the weekend the event promises to appeal to
professional and aspiring writers. High profile
contemporary writers such as Cate Kennedy, Emily
Bitto, A.Frances Johnson and Anthony Lynch,
just to name a few, will be sharing their passion
for literature and inspiring others to follow their
dreams.
Beechworth Arts Council is excited about this
year’s line-up of guest writers and poets such as
children’s poet Paddy Dewan and story teller and
artist Clare Noble from Alice Springs.
“This year we have an amazing line up of talented
writers coming to Beechworth. We hope to attract
young aspiring writers, as well as the more
experienced to come along,” Estelle Paterson,
WRAP 2015 Coordinator, Beechworth Arts Council.
Full
details
of
the
program
and
workshop booking forms on the website
www.beechworthartscouncil.org.au or phone
0408 640 026 or 0428 286 556.
Writers, Readers and Poets’ Weekend
Location: Beechworth
Dates: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February 2015
Times: Friday 6pm-8pm, Saturday 10.30am –
10.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4.30pm
Booking: www.beechworthartscouncil.org.au
Author David Van Dort
One of the five finalists in the Short Story Competition
Hubble’s 25 Year Odyssey
On April 24, 2015 the Hubble telescope will have
orbited the earth approximately 136,875 times
traveling nearly 3.7 billion miles, photographing a
grand drama along the way, since April 24, 1990.
The Hubble telescope will turn 25 this April. It has
been orbiting the earth making one complete orbit
every 97 minutes for 25 years. It has taken hundreds
of thousands of images of the universe. Hubble has
captured a frame by frame photo drama of creation
giving us the details Genesis left out, according to
author Paul Hutchins.
Hutchins, who did four years of research into the
discoveries made by Hubble says, “when you stitch
together the images and data Hubble has collected,
what emerges is the greatest drama in human
history; the creation of an awe-Inspiring Universe.
In his book Hubble Reveals Creation by an AweInspiring Power, Hutchins points out that when
Galileo turned his telescope to the night sky in
1609, he set mankind’s imagination ablaze. This
newly invented device as simple as it was evoked a
telescope race, and an insatiable quest to the stars
by man, as if being drawn by some invisible magnetic
force.
The book raises a thought provoking question; was
the invention of the telescope and man’s insatiable
quest to build them bigger and better part of some
master plan to reveal to humanity an incredible
universe, by an incomprehensible power?
For generations, humans had gazed at the stars with
only their naked eyes wondering what lay beyond
the night sky. With the invention of the telescope
everything changed. It was as if a veil had been
lifted for all eyes to see a universe with stars beyond
counting.
The telescope had a very humble beginning. It
evolved from the spyglass used by sailors to spy on
distant ships. One story contends that in1608 Hans
Lippershey in the Netherlands got the idea for his
spyglass invention from children playing in his shop.
They held two eyeglass lenses up together and
discovered they could see the weather-vane atop a
distant church.
With each passing generation of telescope builders
from Galileo onward, the size and magnification of
the telescope grew as did the compulsion to point
them skyward. While some were driven by their
thirst for fame or prestige, others were propelled
by a sheer quest to know what existed out there,
in this bold new world. That race continues today
costing billions of dollars, and hundreds of millions
of dedicated man hours searching the night sky.
The James Webb telescope is now planned
to replace Hubble in 2018. According to NASA,
“Webb will see farther, and unleash a torrent of
new discoveries, opening the door to a part of the
universe that has just begun to take shape under
humanity’s observations.” Price tag $8.7 Billion. Stay
tuned for part two to the grandest photo drama in
human history!
Hutchins says he drew one conclusion about man’s
obsession with the telescope, “what I learned from
my study of the development of the telescope is
that, man’s incredible imagination to devise new
ways in his insatiable
quest to “Look up into
the heavens,” is hindered
only by the depth of his
pockets!”
The book is available
in Hardcover and as an
eBook.
Paul Hutchins
Imagination Publishing
paul@
HubbleRevealsCreation.com
Photo above
V838 Moncerotis Light Echo
­­­­­14
Fifty~Plus News
New supporters
of Seniors Card
“TO KEEP UP TO DATE
WITH NEW SENIORS
CARD SPECIAL OFFERS
AND DISCOUNTS, VISIT
www.seniorsonline.vic.
gov.au
Lifestyle
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION,
CONTACT, 1300 797 210
OR EMAIL
[email protected].
gov.au
Classes & Courses
Travel Insurance
S.A.N.I.T.Y
Cheltenham, 396 Bay Rd
1300 569 832
10% off
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Fast Cover Travel Insurance
1300 409 322
10% off all policies, not to be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
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Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House Inc.
Box Hill North, 57 Linda Ave
03 9899 7660
Strength Class for Older Adults Term 4, 50% off.
www.kerrimuirhouse.org.au
Plumbing Services
History & Heritage
Mission To Seafarers
Docklands, 717 Flinders St
03 9629 7083
Free tours of the mission to seafarers, must be
groups of 5 or more that need to book.
www.missiontoseafarers.com.au
Accommodation
The Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Docklands, 18 Aquitania Way, (cnr Marmion
Place)
1300 789 200
10% discount off the best unrestricted rate of the
day.
www.sebeldocklands.com.au
Poppies Waterfront Cottage
Phillip Island, 64 Beach Rd
0456 166 594
10% discount off season, 2 adults only.
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Moving Service
Pack Up Your Troubles
Coburg North, 2 Muriel Crt
0422 166 132
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Food & Beverage
Bopha Devi Docklands
Docklands, 27 Rakaia Way
03 9600 1887
10% discount, excl, specials, or other offers.
www.bophadevi.com
Tourist Attractions & Activities
Tours on Trike Melbourne
Docklands, Shop 5/198 Harbour Esplanade
03 9670 6930
10% discount on all day tours, 20% discount on
all online bookings(online bookings only).
www.toursontrike.com.au
Depetro Nominees Pty Ltd
Tullamarine, 1/42 Ovata Dve
03 8336 1939
10% off
www.gdmasterplumbing.com.au
Fun & Fitness
Hampton Bowls Club Inc
Hampton, Fewster Rd & Earlsfield Rd
03 9598 5056
Free latte/cappauccino(value $3.50)per person
booked for bowls (maximum $6, less for
groups).
www.hamptonbowlsclub.com.au
Classes and Courses
Yamaha Music Australia Pty Ltd
Southbank, Level 1, 99 Queensbridge St
1300 130 506
10% discount Yamaha Music Seniors Keyboard
Course, new students only..
www.yamahamusicschool.com.au
Telecommunications
Kisa Pty Ltd
Bentleigh, Level 1, 445-449 South Rd
1300 557 453
15% discount off the phone.
www.kisa.com.au
C Mobile
1300 545 000
10% discount off monthly plan cost. Excl, C Red
$0 per month plan.
www.cmobile.com.au
Natural Therapies
Siam Sanctum Thai Massage
Reservoir, 78 Edwards St
03 9041 6860
$10 discount.
www.siamsanctum.com.au
House & Home
Green Design Solutions
Warranwood, 1/30 Kardinia Cres
0404 033 857
10% off initial meeting on the provision
of Livable (universal/accessible), Healthy,
Sustainable Housing advice.
www.greendesignsolutions.com.au
February 2015
Lifestyle
February 2015
Fifty~Plus News
Classifieds
Collector seeks Enamel signs
Oil bottles
Rabbit traps
Old fishing gear
Rock ‘n roll records
Australian Military
items (WW1/WW2)
Old toys
Cast iron items
Top Cash Paid
Call 5428 2848 or
0417 415 336
Piano Lessons
Introductory piano
workshops. Learn
with others in a
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with Virginia Hill
Begin from scratch
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Introduction Free.
Ongoing workshops
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(Individual lessons
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Studio4Music,
Glen Waverley.
9561 2414.
0428 903 827
Slides and
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and DVD
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Transfer 35mm slides,
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Want something
new to read? Check
this out!
Attorney Sabre Orin Brown’s
job is to protect her minor
client. Her obsession is to solve
the mysterious disappearance
of her brother. When Sabre’s
search for her brother and
her career as a juvenile court
attorney collide, her own life is
threatened. As Sabre’s passion
to find the answers intensifies,
she discovers a twisted history
of desperation, deceit, and
revenge. Will she be able to
protect herself and the child she
represents from the obscure
and treacherous truth?
The Advocate by Teresa Burrell
is available on Amazon in
Paperback, on Kindle in digital
form, and on Audible in audio.
Summer The Proofs in the Pudding
Pastiche
BUY, SWAP, SELL...OR FIND A TRADESMAN!
Wanted
to Buy
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­15
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and Odd Jobs
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The end of January signals the end of summer holidays
for most of us and with it the reality check of the festive
and holiday seasons’ (over) expenditure. So if it’s back
to some food budgeting whilst still making the most of
summers balmy weather for easy outdoor eating and
entertaining, cheer up the classic, quintessentially British
Summer pudding is back in vogue to make the most of
inexpensive summer berries and fruits together with day
old bread.
This cold confection has been around since the 19th
century when it was invented as diet or invalid food, as
bread was considered less fattening and healthier than
the rich pastries used as casings for many fruit desserts.
Served in spas it was originally known by the unappealing
name of hydropathic pudding, with ingredients of fruit,
sugar and bread and whilst the cost was seen as variable it
was generally moderate. The more apt title Cold Summer
Pudding emerged around 1936.
A traditional summer pudding is made by lining a
pudding basin with sliced white bread and then filling
the centre with summer berries which have been lightly
cooked with sugar to take the edge off their sharpness. A
cover of bread is then put on top and the pudding chilled,
weighted down so the bread infuses up the fruit juices.
Turned out onto a white platter for serving with its ruby
colour, it looks similar to a jelly.
Of course there are many variations in other countries,
for instance the French may use brioche, or the Italians
panettone and in Australia sponge cake is sometimes
used for the casing, but in Britain it has traditionally been
sliced white bread which provides a bland background
for the fruit within (thus whole meal is all wrong here). For
people who have a preference for sourdough white bread
a tip is to have your baker slice it thinly, lengthwise, for
easy handling.
Purists insist on redcurrants and raspberries only for
filling, but this base has been broadened in recent
years using other seasonal fruits such as blackcurrants
which add a depth of colour and a touch of tartness
to the dessert. Blackberries and strawberries are also
used although strawberries tend to become mushy and
gooseberries that very British berry is now also being
used .Some cooks macerate the fruit in sugar overnight
before gently heating to yield more juice for the bread to
soak up and enhance colour.
Berries have a delicate flavour of their own easily
overpowered by the addition of alcohol, so it is an
unnecessary addition to this pudding although you will
find recipes infusing the berry syrup with geranium or
elderberries. Personally being fond of rosewater I like
to add a dash to the simmering berries as it has such a
delicate summer flavour which enhances the taste of the
fruit. Pouring the fruit into the pudding mould whilst the
syrup is still hot helps the bread soak up more of the juice.
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To ensure the pudding is easy to release line the inside
of the bowl with plastic film, this way after chilling for
24 hours when you invert it onto a serving platter it
will retain its shape and become the perfect centre of
attention, served with whipped cream. Should you have
any leftovers they make for any easy breakfast with
yogurt.
This is a pudding that offers a true taste of summer,
so vary the fruit and bread to suit your table and enjoy
summer’s bounty.
PLUM-BERRY SUMMER PUDDING – Serves 6-8
800g can whole plums in syrup
Grape Expectations
125g punnet blueberries
with Ben Knight
2014 De Bortoli La Boheme Rosé,
Yarra Valley $19
We have finally made it into some
warmer weather this summer and
the chilled wines are starting to
come to the fore. I’m sure you have
glimpsed at the pink section of the
wine shelves but perhaps, scarred
by the old school portugese
rosé of days gone by, been too
cautious to delve
back into the pink
side of things. Fear
not, pink wines are
certainly changing.
Pink wines, almost
exclusively
called
rosé because it
sounds exotic, is
back to its crisp dry
and refreshing best.
The beauty of
this category is its
flexibility. Pink wine
is defined by its
colour only. It can
be made from any
red grape you can
think of; Pinot Noir,
Grenache, Cabernet
Sauvignon,
even
Blaufrankisch
or
Nebbiolo. As long
as the wine is pink,
or even sometimes
a little copper, it
counts as being rosé.
Sadly the category
suffers because it
is pink, which is an
utter shame. It is
ridiculed for not being serious
enough, but that is one of its
greatest strengths. Wine to just
drink, not think about. Pink wine
can offer almost every element of
flavour imaginable, and ultimately,
is perfectly suited to a host of foods
and specifically warm weather.
The La Boheme
from De Bortoli is
made from Pinot
Noir and is an
aromatic and dry
rosé. The label
empasises the fact
that its ‘dry’ as for
perhaps too long,
rosé was a sickly
sweet proposition.
The La Boheme,
adorned
with
its
dramatic
Alphonse Mucha
label starts off with
strawberries and
cream and finishes
with lovely acidity
and spice. It can
hold itself with
a steak salad or
spicy chicken ribs,
and be totally
satisfying on its
own. If you have
been ignoring the
pink wines in front
of your nose, it is
high time to get
back into them.
½ cup castor sugar
8-9 slices day old which sandwich bread, crusts
removed
Softly whipped vanilla cream
1. Drain plums well over a saucepan. Remove
stones and place in a bowl. Snip with scissors
into smaller pieces.
2. Bring the 400ml syrup to the boil in a medium
saucepan. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Boil
for 3 minutes, add blueberries, boil a further
minute. Strain over a measuring jug to make
about 300ml syrup. Stir blueberries through
prepared plums. Set aside.
3. First, Line a pudding basin with plastic wrap
leaving an ample overhang, then line the basin
with bread slices, cut in half, so they fit snugly
with no gaps. Cut a lid.
4. Fill the centre with plum mixture. Press down
firmly and pour over ½ a cup of plum berry
syrup and set aside the balance for serving.
Place bread lid on top to seal. Cover firmly with
plastic wrap overhang and place a good fitting
plate and weight on top.
Refrigerate for 24 hours.
5. When ready to serve remove weight, plate
and open plastic film covering the top of
pudding. Invert basin onto a large serving plate
carefully ensuring the pudding slips away from
the sides of the basin to retain its shape. Spoon
or brush the reserved plum syrup over the
pudding. Cut wedges and serve with whipped
cream.
www.virginiahill.com.au
Senior participants wanted for a study on emotion and
wellbeing
I am a PhD student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield
and as part of my research I am looking for volunteers age 40 years old and above to
take part in an online study exploring the relationship between emotional responses
and psychological wellbeing. Our group has recently been working on quality of life
and mental health in people with chronic illness and we’d like to extend this work to
general population as our controls.
The study involves filling out a series of questionnaires and will take approximately
10 minutes. All responses are anonymous and will be treated confidentially.
If you are interested in taking part in the research, please use the following link to
access the study pages, find out more information and to take part:
https://sheffieldpsychology.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7NYRUmrpgVsgjGt
The study is password-protected and you will need the following password to log in:
wellbeing
Thanks, your participation is very much appreciated. Regards, Haffiezhah
This study has been approved by the Department of Psychology Ethics Sub Committee as per Professor Richard
Crisp, Chair DESC.
­­­­­16
Body & Mind
Fifty~Plus News
W
Mindgames
ELCOME to the Fifty-Plus News Mindgames page. In
each issue, we bring you a crossword and a Wheel Words
or Sudoku in alternating issues. Good luck and happy puzzling!
1
2
February 2015
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Body & Mind
February 2015
Nine Behaviours to Boost Nutrition Success
11
A Vital Lifestyle is about creating healthy habits that
you can maintain for the long term. You may choose to
focus on one, some or all nine over the next 12 months
Solutions are on page 21
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
23
21
24
19
22
25
26
27
28
31
Author Roye Burgess works at
being a Freelance Chess Coach
ED: Apologies, Chess will be back in
March.
29
Explore and enjoy Melbourne’s best homes.
And you just never know who owns these
beauties! St. Joseph’s Open Houses has opened
the doors of the homes of socialites, sports
stars, the business elite and divas of design.
The 36th annual St. Joseph’s Open Houses will
take place on Sunday March 15, 2015, 12pm4:30pm and all money raised will support the
educational programmes at our small school.
Tickets are $40 to visit all properties or $25 for
a single home.
Entry price includes complimentary shuttle
busses, our famous, lavish afternoon tea and a
fabulous gift bag to take home.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.
openhouses.org.au, or at school on the day of
the event, 571 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn.
30
32
ACROSS
1. Children
6. Dog parasite
10. Manner of treating
11. Unopposed (decision)
12. Intervening period
14. Genuflect
16. Identifying
18. Type of onion
20. More in want
22. Quirky character
23. Ganges country
25. From Beirut
28. Unpleasant (weather)
29. French heroine, Joan ... (2,3)
31. Divine beings
32. Interfering
Thankyou to the avid puzzlers who picked
up on my xword error last month. My
humble apologies. Genine
Have you ever wanted to take a sneak peek
inside the majestic homes of Melbourne’s rich
and famous?
On Sunday March 15, 2015, private homes
across the leafy streets of Melbourne’s eastern
suburbs will open their doors to the public for
the 36th annual St. Joseph’s Open Houses.
Open Houses is the major fundraiser for St.
Joseph’s Primary School in Hawthorn.
For one afternoon only, five stunning homes
of historical, architectural or design significance
will be open to the public, and this year we have
a divine garden to enjoy too.
This is a rare, one off opportunity for the
general public to view these iconic properties.
Since the event began in 1979, more than
20,000 visitors have enjoyed St. Joseph’s Open
Houses. Guests come from all over Victoria
and Tasmania to indulge in an afternoon of
wandering through some of Melbourne’s most
majestic and significant homes.
Over the years, we have featured homes
designed
by
renowned
contemporary
architects like Jackson Clements Burrows, John
Wardle, Steven Domoney and Craig Rossetti
and historical favourites such as John Beswicke.
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­17
DOWN
1. Belonging to you
2. Mexico’s northern neighbour
(1,1,1)
3. Shamrock colour
4. Travelling
5. Library patrons
7. Not tight
8. Utterly
9. Cow shed employee
13. Conjure up (memories)
15. Underwater sport (4,6)
17. Copied
19. Rests
21. Alleviate
22. Revolved around
24. Cut into cubes
26. Nobody (2-3)
27. Suffer mental anguish
30. Bustle
Prepare for a cinematic tourde-force…At the 2015 Alliance
Française French Film Festival!
The nation’s most sparkling
film event, the Alliance Française
French Film Festival, will return
for its 26th annual season around
Australia from early March until
mid-April 2015.
The
Festival
will
screen
throughout eight cities at a host
of glamorous Palace cinema
locations.
Playing across nine distinctly
named sections will be numerous
highlights, including Beauty
and the Beast, The Blue Room,
Breathe,
Chance
Encounter,
The Connection, Eden, The
New Girlfriend, Girlhood, Saint
Laurent, Samba and 3 Hearts. Also
screening will be Jean Renoir’s
1937 masterpiece,
Grand Illusion starring Pierre
Fresnay, Jean Gabin and Erich
von Stroheim that will feature in
a section entitled Lest We Forget,
commemorating World War I.
And igniting the screen with the
MELBOURNE: 4-22 March Palace
Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay,
Palace Cinema
Como, Palace Westgarth & Kino
Cinemas
to improve health, energy and maintain a healthy weight
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Research shows that increasing the number of fruits and
veggies you eat, especially above the publicized 5-a-day,
decreases your risk of health ailments like high blood
pressure, cancer, heart disease and type two diabetes.
More fruits and veggies mean more fibre, vitamins,
minerals and phytochemicals, plus more flavour and
colour added to your meals. Remember, when you’re
adding more fruits and veggies to your diet, you can
choose from fresh, frozen, canned, or dried varieties—
just remember to buy packaged items without added
sugar, oil or salt.
Get started: Aim for 5-9 servings of fruits and
vegetables per day.
Try fruit in your chicken salad, frozen spinach in
vegetarian lasagne, or double the diced capsicum,
mushroom and onions in your morning omelette. Use
fruit as a dessert or even vegetables in your baking (e.g.
chocolate and beetroot cake). Every extra bit counts!
Eat More Healthy Fats
Consuming more heart-healthy fats like Omega 3
found in flaxseed and oily fish decreases inflammation in
our bodies. This is linked to lower disease risk and better
disease management.
Get Started: Aim for fish twice a week.
Start by switching ground beef to tuna or salmon, and
top your salad with slivered almonds instead of shredded
cheese. Try avocado. Use as a sandwich spread, dip, salad
topper or omelette partner. I love using flaxseed oil in my
salad dressings to boost my Omega 3
Pump Up Your Protein in the Morning
Our busy schedules mean we consume most of our
protein in the latter half of the day. But protein keeps us
full and energised, and our bodies constantly use this
cell-building substance. Studies show that people who
balance their protein distribution throughout the day are
more successful at maintaining a healthy weight.
Australians Using The Internet To
Supplement Income In Tough Times
We’re all aware that the internet and social media
are powerful forces for business, charity, finding love
– almost anything – and this new access to this global
marketplace has very quickly revolutionised our lives.
But recently, more Australians are turning to the internet
as a viable source of revenue in tough financial times.
Brett McFall is at the centre of this revolution and in fact,
to cope with demand, he’s about to open Australia’s first
school of internet marketing in the Gold Coast.
“People are realising that the internet is an untapped
goldmine and that with a bit of work they can access
an international marketplace of two billion potential
customers. It’s been a life-saver for many people we’ve
worked with who were really struggling financially in
these challenging times,” he says.
“I’m so pleased we’re seeing this increase in people
realising the internet is a really low-risk way to make
money. I’ve been speaking about this for a long time
but previously people thought internet marketing just
sounded like a scam. It’s certainly not a get-rich-quick
scheme where you don’t have to do anything. It does
Get Started: Eat protein at breakfast.
To meet this goal, include foods like hard-boiled eggs,
fat-free yoghurt or Greek yoghurt, and cheese made
from 2% milk in your breakfast. Adding diced chicken
to your eggs, or LSA (linseed, soy and almond meal) to
cereal can also help you rack up a few grams of protein
in the morning. Wey protein Concentrate is a convenient
way to fortify protein in one’s liquid meals or breakfast.
Experiment with Different Types of Grains
Whole wheat is high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and
it’s a great way to energise oneself, but other grains have
much to offer in way of nutrition, too.
Get Started: Cook a new type of whole grain each
month.
Choose from many varieties of quinoa, barley,
buckwheat, oats, kamut, millet, wild rice, rye, sorghum,
and spelt. Then search cookbooks and recipe websites
for your grain and recipe of choice. Place the recipes you
find in a folder and when you’re ready, you can tackle a
new grain each month. Nothing beats a quinoa salad in
summer!
Improve Your Culinary Skills
If you rely on convenience foods and restaurants too
much, you will not only likely over-consume calories,
but you would also be spending far too much money on
food. Even so called “healthy take away” can have added
salt sugar and fat to make it more palatable. I always like
to perfect a few quick healthy meals that can be prepared
when time poor. This year, look for ways you can improve
your cooking skills to make healthy eating more fun!
Get Started: Create a new recipe each week.
The best way to learn about cooking and improve your
skills is to practice. Anything from cooking classes to
informative cookbooks, blogs or websites can help you
improve your skills. Choose one or two new techniques
or cooking methods and find the resources available for
each. Keep a journal to track the new culinary techniques
you learned and how they helped you. The leftovers will
also provide you with a great lunch the next day!
Design a Health-Encouraging Kitchen & Pantry
Who wants to cook in a dirty, cluttered or disorganized
kitchen? Cleaning up your food prep and storage areas
is a great way to promote healthy eating. When healthy
foods are accessible and easy to create, you’re more likely
to consume them.
Get Started: Make time for a kitchen makeover.
Set aside some time to assess your kitchen and decide
which changes you need to make. Start by purging your
fridge and pantry of all processed foods. Schedule a
regular time each week to stock up on fresh produce
especially fruit, vegetables, fish and other lean
animal protein. Kangaroo is a favourite of mine! A few
suggestions to kick-start your kitchen into a healthsupporting room is to create a resource (clipboard,
binder, e-folder or web links) of healthy recipes you’d like
to cook. Move your fresh produce draws up to eye level in
your fridge, or place a basket in the cupboard filled with
healthy snacks and ready-to-go fruits.
Eat More Meals at Home
Home-cooked meals can be tough to implement for the
uninitiated. With planning and practice, making more
meals in your kitchen and enjoying them at your dinner
table can help you reach several goals: eating healthier,
cutting calories, saving money, and increasing family
time.
Get Started: Aim to eat dinner at home at least 5
nights per week.
Try a reusable weeklong calendar to plan your meals
in advance. Organise your shopping list and write
down what meals you’re shopping for on the list so
you remember what you planned to make while you’re
bustling through the supermarket store. Preparing one or
two meals on the weekend that you can freeze and allows
you to build a stockpile of ready made nutritious meals
that can be reheated when time poor. Try stockpiling
staple ingredients like pre cooked brown rice, quinoa,
pulses and legumes. I freeze these in portions bags ready
to re- heat or add to a salad or casserole.
Eat More Meatless Meals
Vegetarian meals can be higher in fibre, vitamins and
minerals, and lower in calories and saturated fat.
Get Started: Go meatless one day per week.
Simply giving up meat one day a week can result in
health and environmental benefits. If you already eat
a “flexitarian” diet, try working up to two or three days
without meat. Include nutritious plant-based proteins
like soy products, beans, legumes and nuts with each
vegetarian dish you choose. Start slowly, and you may
end up finding new dishes you truly enjoy!
Drink more! (Non-calorific hydrating fluids)
Drinking sugary or alcoholic beverages is a rapid way of
increasing energy intake and in the long term may lead
to weight gain and health problems such as diabetes
and heart disease. Whenever possible, avoid soft drink,
cordial and even fruit juice as these are all concentrated
forms of sugar.
Get Started: Green or herbal tea and water are the
best options for fluid intake
Consider increasing your alcohol
free days (AFD’s) to five and
limiting consumption to no more
than two standard drinks.
take some work, but the rewards can be huge and can
reduce financial worries significantly.”
One of his students, a grandmother in her late fifties,
Judi Jaques makes anywhere from $9000 - $29000 a
month and had no internet or marketing experience
previous to attending a course.
“I just taught her how to find hot niche markets and
how to set up simple little websites that give that
market the product is looking for - especially ones that
revolve around information. It cost her very little and she
outsourced the majority of the work.”
McFall says Judi’s results are exceptional, but some
people just learn how to increase their revenue by around
$50 -$100 a week and this helps them significantly in
tough times.
“The cost of living is on the rise and any extra income
per week is a help for many. We are seeing people go
from unemployed to very comfortable but also seeing
others just go from struggling to stable. Sometimes
that’s all they need - a bit of money to give them space
to breathe every week.”
Brett’s book ‘How to make money while you sleep’ is
a two times Australian best seller, but he says the basic
principles of it are:
1. Find a hot niche market (this is easily done with free or
very inexpensive software)
2. Create a product that gives your market what it wants;
outsourcing this is no longer costly
3. Create a powerful and compelling sales message
4. Design a simple website that converts prospects to
buyers; again this can easily be outsourced
5. Bring traffic to your website
“The internet is one of the cheapest places to fail and
– although I know online marketing does work – people
don’t need to worry about losing huge sums of money if
it doesn’t. It’s far less risky than the stock market or other
investments and I’m so glad more people are getting on
board. People need to realise there are other options
outside their 9-5 for generating revenue and easing that
financial pressure and that it may be easier than they
think.”
Brett also has classes in Sydney and Melbourne and
the dates for these are featured on the site within each
class topic. He also offers other seminars and mentoring
through his website http://brettmcfall.com /
Jason Nikakis
* Vital Lifestyle Coaching *
www.vitallifestyle.com.au
[email protected]
Contact number 1300 845 612
­­­­­18
Going Places
Fifty~Plus News
February 2015
Vignettes - Art Gallery of Ballarat
January 31 to March 15
Botanical art and natural history
illustration will take pride of place in
Vignettes, a forthcoming exhibition at
the Art Gallery of Ballarat, with works
by Amanda Ahmed, Sandra Severgnini,
Mali Moir and John Pastoriza Piñol.
The artists have drawn on their
interest and skill in recording natural
history to create new work that reflects
human frailties and transient concerns.
Gordon Morrison Director of the Art
Gallery of Ballarat, who is curating
the exhibition, said that Vignettes
continues the growing identification
of the Gallery with botanical art and
natural history. “Australia has one of
the most vibrant traditions in the world
of artists recording the natural world,
and Vignettes will include a snapshot of
some of the finest examples of the work
of Australia’s contemporary natural
history artists,” he said.
He said the exhibition will appeal
to anyone who enjoys looking at the
environment, be it flowers in a garden
or creatures found on the seashore.
Art Gallery of Ballarat,
40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
03 5320 5858
Gallery open 10am – 5pm daily. Free
Australia’s oldest and largest regional
gallery
Pic above - John Pastoriza-Pinol, Dylan,
Acer japonica
Pic left - Sandra Severgnini, Assembly,
Strelitzia reginae
Geelong Highland Gathering
WARRAGUL BOWLING CLUB
Sunday March 1
BOWLING ARM TOURNAMENT
The Geelong Highland Gathering
has won the right to host the Victorian
Highland Pipe Band Championships for
the first time since the event was moved
from Queens Park in 2009.
The Gathering is now held at Deakin
University Waurn Ponds Campus after
losing its home of more than 50 years.
The pipe band championships attract
bands from throughout Victoria, and
maybe also from interstate.
A new feature event for 2015 is the
exciting and astonishing Birds of Prey
demonstrations of medieval falconry, with
peregrine falcons, owls, kites, kestrels and
eagles involved.
This will add to the attraction of the
Gathering which also hosts the South
Pacific Heavy Games Championships,
the Western Martial Arts Academies
of
Australia
National
Longsword
and Broadsword championships and
Highland Dancing
competitions.
Additionally, there
will be the Scottish
Breeds Dog Show,
Scottish
Country
Dancing displays,
the 42nd Highlanders re-enactment
group, the New Varangian Guard Dubhlinn Branch, also providing medieval
re-enactments and Clan and Scottish
souvenir stallholders as well as food and
other vendors.
One of the most popular innovations
in recent years has
been the expansion
of the children’s
programme
to
include a modified
“Wee
Highland
Games”
for
youngsters,
with
haggis hurling and
light-weight caber
tossing.
Last year also
saw the re-establishment of an old link
dating back to the first Geelong Highland
gathering in 1857, when local Wathaurong
Aboriginal people first took part in the
event. A medal was produced in 1860,
marking those early Highland ScotsAboriginal links with an Aboriginal warrior
on one side of a shield and a Highlander
none the other.
As occurred last year, the Wathaurong
Aboriginal Co-operative will introduce
the official opening with a Welcome to
Country and smoking ceremony.
Entry costs: Family $40; adult $15;
Concession $10; children
5-16, $8; children under-five free.
More information can be obtained at
www.geelonghighlandgathering.org.au
(Only 30 minutes from PAKENHAM)
Arts Digest
February 2015
Calling all Artists, Crafters and
Designers for a Show with a
Difference
Are you a textile artist?
Are you creative with your
crochet or knitting? Do
you design and make your
own clothing, whether
new, recycled, re-vamped
or revived? Do you design
and make jewellery, shoes,
millinery, corsets and
scarves? If so, It’s Art Wear
It wants you.
Born in 2006 as an
exhibition of wearable art and
jewellery made by local artists
and crafters, It’s Art Wear It has
become a unique and popular
fashion event on Altona’s Louis
Joel Arts and Community Centre’s
art calendar.
The event is launched with a
fashion parade and is followed
by a week-long exhibition.
With an ethos firmly anchored
in celebrating difference and
inclusion, the Fashion Parade
has called upon the services of
models from various walks of life,
including models from the Fire
Brigade, music-playing models
and, last year, models from two
local disability groups, David
House and Mambourin Altona.
The involvement of these models
last year made for an emotional
and fun-filled event that proudly
shone the light on a segment
of our community that is often
ignored.
The 2015 event continues
this tradition of difference and
inclusion and will showcase
models in their senior years.
This year’s theme is ‘Winter
Lights’. Organisers are calling for
local artists, crafters, designers
to exhibit their work in this
inimitable show. The Exhibition
will take place at the Joel Gallery
housed within the Louis Joel
Arts and Community Centre (5
Sargood Street, Altona 3018)
between 11 and 22 July, with
the Fashion Parade kicking off
the festivities on the evening of
Friday 10 July.
If you would like to participate
in this year’s event and see your
work displayed, contact the Louis
Joel Arts & Community Centre by
phone on (03) 9398 2511 (Ask for
Kim, Robert or Kerin) or by email
([email protected]) to
discuss your work and receive an
‘expression of interest’ form. For
further information and to see
photos from previous shows, visit
our website www.louisjlcc.com.
au or find us on Facebook. For
more on the Gallery space, visit
http://joelgallery.weebly.com.
Models above L-R back, David
Launder, David Tot, Lauren MarshallKeay, Tracey O’Sullivan, Mary DixonSmith, Jaymi Briscoe,and Glen Cryer.
L-R Front Trish Fowler, Crystal Reddie.
SUNDAY 8th FEBRUARY (ENTRIES BY JANUARY
30th)
TWO BOWL TRIPLES. 3 games of 10 ends.
SPONSORED DAY - PRIZE MONEY - $690
Winner $420; R/up $180 - Best last game
$90
$45.00 PER TEAM – STARTING TIME 10.30a
UNIFORM/WHITES. LUNCH; AFTERNOON TEA
PROVIDED.
TOURNAMENT SECRETARY- FRED
FORDE..56221393
BOWLING CLUB: PO BOX 50 WARRAGUL, 3820
PHONE 5623 4229; FAX 5623 4229
E’MAIL: [email protected]
COMPETITORS MUST HAVE BOWLS VICTORIA
ACCREDITATION CARDS.
............................................................................
...................................
TOURNAMENT SECRETARY. PLEASE ENTER _ _ _
TEAM/S FOR FEB 8th.
TEAM NAME ...............................................
$---- ENTRY FEE ENCLOSED
CONTACT DETAILS; NAME/PHONE NUMBER OR E’MAIL
ADDRESS.
....................................................................................
INVITATION to the 2015
AUSTRALIAN TEXTILE EXHIBITION
in the
Australian Garden Visitor Centre
Gallery and also in the Auditorium
Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne Vic.
See displays of Australian flora & fauna inspired quilts
plus demonstrations by quilting & textile experts.
‘Under the Australian Sun’ fabrics designed by Leesa Chandler
available for purchase as well as patterns, kits and many
beautiful hand-made items.
Win a stunning ‘Wattle & Gum” quilt by Leesa Chandler.
Sat. February 28 to Mon March 9, 2015
10am to 4pm each day
ALL WELCOME - FREE ENTRY
Presented by Chandlers Cottage Beaumaris
and the ‘Botanical Fabricators’ Group
Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Further information - 8774 2483
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­19
Shepparton Art Museum
(SAM) is delighted to announce its major exhibition and Australian
exclusive for March 2015, Dream Machines: Drawings of the Great American
Automobile.
The exhibition
presents
130
drawings
from
the great age
of American car
design from the
Museum of Fine
Arts, Boston. This
will be the first
major exhibition
of
original
American
car
designs from the
1950’s, 60’s, and
early 70’s and one
of the largest ever
held. None of the works in Dream Machines
have previously been seen in Australia.
Not only will visitors to Shepparton be able
to see the original design sketches of post war
American cars, but they will also be able to see
up to 25 of the actual concept cars represented
in the exhibition. To coincide with the exhibition
at SAM, the Shepparton Motor Museum will
present an exhibition of superb examples
of vehicles depicted in the drawings, titled
Dream Machines: The Cars. Both exhibitions
will run con-currently and be co-ticketed, with
an opening party and Show ‘n’ Shine parade
between the two venues on Saturday 14 March.
Car design of the post-war era was
characterised by a futuristic zeal that reflected
the economic optimism of the period. Space
exploration, developments in aviation and
an appetite for science fiction informed the
popular imagination, fuelling the work of visual
artists employed to design the cars of the future.
In 1945, as World War II was coming to an
end, car production resumed and automotive
companies sought to capture this enthusiasm,
encouraging their designers to produce
drawings known as
‘dream cars,’ in order to
explore new technical
features and aesthetic
possibilities. The sleek,
aerodynamic vehicles
conveyed in this
exhibition
capture
the spirit of the age;
pivoting around the
nuclear family unit
and the ownership of
a house and car - the
American Dream.
The exhibition will be accompanied by an
extensive public program of themed artistic
workshops, tutorials, talks, tours and special
events, including an opening launch party at
SAM and Show ‘n’ Shine at the Shepparton
Motor Museum along with other festivities, on
Saturday 14 March 2015.
Dream Machines: Drawings of the Great
American Automobile and Dream Machines:
The Cars will both be on display from 7 March
until 17 May 2015. The exhibitions will be
ticketed, with dual-ticketing available.
Shepparton Art Museum is located at 70
Welsford Street, Shepparton. For general SAM
enquiries and bookings please contact:
(03) 5832 9861,
email [email protected], or
visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au for
more information.
Image: Robert S. Ackerman, Chrysler Front End Design
Proposal – Red Sedan, June 22, 1971. Paper with magic
marker, ink, 53.3 x 68.6 cm, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf
Collection. image courtesy and © 2015 Museum of Fine
Arts, Boston.
­­­­­20
Fifty~Plus News
Arts & Entertainment
COLLEEN HEWETT
TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY, 11AM
Matinee Music at Hawthorn Arts
Centre invites you to attend an
afternoon nostalgic hits and sensational
insights into the music industry when
Colleen Hewett takes the stage to share
her songs and stories of yesteryear and
beyond.
Releasing her first single, Superstar
and her self- titled album in 1970,
Colleen was a bonafide star of the stage
at just 20 years old. She was cast in the
smash hit musical Godspell and scored
a gold record with Day by Day. She then
went on to be crowned Queen of Pop
two years running! Colleen has also been a staple in lounge rooms across
Australia securing roles in Homicide, Division 4, Prisoner and The Flying
Doctors.
Colleen Hewett’s performance is a part of Matinee Music where
audiences can come for just the performance, or accept an invitation for
a full day out at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Starting with complimentary
tea and coffee in the grand Chandelier Room, guests enjoy the feature
performance in the magnificent Main Hall and are then invited to explore
the current exhibitions at Town Hall Gallery, or enjoy a spot of lunch or
coffee and cake at the onsite café, Second Empire.
For tickets and more information visit hawthornartscentre.com.au or
call 9278 4770 during business hours.
When: Tuesday 17 February, 11am Where: Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360
Burwood Road, Hawthorn Cost: $14 single/$12 for groups of 8 or more.
February 2015
Director Denis Moore
With Peter Hardy, Christine Keogh, Don Bridges, Luke Clayson, Olivia Solomons
“It’s Anzac Day this week, that’s my day, that’s the old Diggers’ day.”
What is the meaning of Anzac Day? For war veterans like Alf Cook and his friend Wacka Dawson,
it’s the chance to commemorate history, celebrate heroism and conjure national pride. For Alf’s
son Hughie, Anzac Day flies the flag for a very different
reality, one that brings the dignity of our diggers to its
knees and into the gutter with one too many down the
pub. At its heart though, The One Day of the Year explores
the universal theme of father–son conflict and is one of
the great family dramas of Australian theatre.
Sparking huge controversy on its release in the 1960s,
the play incites as much passion now as ever and looks at
our national service through the eyes of generation, class
and character. On the centenary of the Gallipoli landing,
Alan Seymour’s landmark play returns with a fresh take
on this truly Australian classic.
Warning: Contains strong language and adult themes.
(15+ years).
Friday 27 February 8pm (Q & A session)
Saturday 28 February 2pm & 8pm
2 hrs 30 mins (including interval)
Full $45 Conc $42 U25 $25
Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
www.whitehorsecentre.com.au | 9262 6555
Email: [email protected]
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF LEGENDS! ANNOUNCED
Leading Australian theatre producer John
Frost today announced the return to the
Australian stage by stars of screen and stage,
Hayley Mills and Juliet Mills. The sisters
will star in a national tour of the Australian
Premiere of James Kirkwood’s hilarious and
touching comedy Legends! which has broken
box office records around the world. Legends! takes audiences into a world of
gossip, rivalry, reminiscence, longing and
scandal. As the sun sets in Manhattan, the
claws come out as two famous but fading
movie stars try to upstage one another.
Leatrice Monsee (Hayley Mills) and Sylvia
Glenn (Juliet Mills) are hustled by a theatre
producer (Maxwell Caulfield) to kick-start
their once-luminous careers by starring in
a Broadway–bound play. There’s just one
problem: they loathe one another.
The fiery feuds of Hollywood legends Bette
Davis and Joan Crawford fade in comparison
to those of Leatrice Monsee and Sylvia
Glenn. The fast-paced play takes audiences
on a joyous journey from the glamour of
Hollywood to the excitement and promise of
a new lease of life on Broadway.
The pairing of Hayley Mills and Juliet Mills
promises to be a sensational sister act full
of back-stabbing and banter, wisdom and
wit. Their consummate talents will shine
in this riotous new production directed
by Christopher Renshaw (The King and I),
designed by Justin Nardella, written by
Pulitzer Prize winner James Kirkwood (A
Chorus Line), produced by John Frost and also
starring Maxwell Caulfield and Leah Howard.
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
Season: From Wednesday 2 September
Performance Times: Wed–Sat 8.00pm,
Matinees Tues & Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun
3pm
Price: From $79.90* Bookings: Ticketmaster.
com.au or phone 1300 111 011 Groups 8+ call
1300 889 278
* An additional transaction fee and/or a credit/
debit payment processing fee may apply
TICKETS ON SALE 9 FEBRUARY
Between the Bays Festival Celebrates 10 Years!
Saturday 28th February 2015
Penbank, Mornington Peninsula
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Mornington Peninsula’s
family friendly festival with James Reyne, Mark Seymour,
Custard, Wagons, Sweet Jean, Combo La Revelacion and
local acts Indigenous Hip Hop Projects and The Billabong
Boys
Between The Bays is not just about music, there is
something for everyone including children, food lover and
the wine and beer connoisseur. The festival will once again
have a great variety of kid’s rides; children will be able to
purchase a wristband for unlimited rides throughout the
day.
Sinead O’Connor adds Melbourne Show to
Australian Tour
I’m Not Bossy I’m The Boss Tour : Feb / March
2015
General Tickets on sale from 1st
Dec 10am ESDT
http://artscentremelbourne.com.
au/whats-on/popular-music/
sinead-oconnor
PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL –
Friday 6th and Saturday 7th March
Port Fairy Folk Festival, 35 Bank St,
Port Fairy 3284
http://www.portfairyfolkfestival.
com/
To advertise in Fifty Plus News simply contact
Genine on 0418 383 152 or email contact@
fiftyplusnews.com. Make your ad stand out
from the crowd!
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­21
Arts & Entertainment
The Whitehorse Centre presents
THE ONE DAY OF THE YEAR
BY ALAN SEYMOUR
Don’t miss Identification & Desire: Jewish Lesbian & Queer Writers and
the JLGBTIQ writers who inspire them. This evening of word portraits
has been inspired by Andy Warhol’s portrait of Gertrude Stein. It will be
spoken by special local and international guests including Joan Nestle,
Hinde Ena-Burstin and Glenn Ferguson and will be chaired by Rebecca
Forgasz.
Partners: Midsumma Festival Date: Thursday 5 February Time: 7.30pm
Location: Jewish Museum of Australia Cost: $12 Museum member / $15
general
Bookings essential. Jewish Museum 26 Alma Rd, St. Kilda 8534 3600
Sinead O’Connor has just
announced the addition of a
Melbourne date to her 2015 ‘I’m
not Bossy I’m the Boss’ Australian
tour. On Wed 4 March the Hamer
Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne
will play host to Sinead on a tour
which also takes in performances
at Perth Festival (28 Feb); Port
Fairy Folk Music Festival (6 & 7
Mar); Queensland Performing
Arts Centre (11 Mar) and Sydney
Opera House (19 Mar).
MELBOURNE – Wednesday 4th
March
Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd,
Melbourne 3004
Presale Tickets on sale from 27th
Nov 10am ESDT
February 2015
The Jewish Museum is proud to present a concert featuring
works from Gershwin’s folk opera Porgy and Bess, classical
repertoire and popular songs of stage & screen – many of
which have become jazz standards. This concert will be
performed by some of Australia’s most respected musicians
including Dr Allan Zavod, Fem Belling, Josh Piterman, Joe
The World Premiere of Young &
Jackson
a new play about old ways
by Don Reid
“They wouldn’t be dead for quids...”
It’s August 1945, the last weeks of the War, but they don’t know it.
They just hope it will be all over soon, the Yanks will go home and
all their probable futures will be made possible. They’re young and
Jackson. Three young Navy boys on leave in Melbourne and a girl
called Lorna Jackson. But right now there’s the high life to live before
they call time in the main bar of Young and Jackson’s, that iconic
Melbourne pub, where the young, and Jackson, will climb the stairs
to Room 24, sip a black market sherry, and begin a story that will take
half a century to complete…
Young & Jackson is the prequel to Don Reid’s award-winning play
Codgers - a new Australian play celebrating 1940s Melbourne through
the eyes of four young people, full of life in a time of war; when black
market silk was scarce, seamed stockings were body art and young
sailors risked all for a night of high jinks.
Four of Melbourne’s most imaginative and playful young actors come
together to create Don Reid’s classically Australian characters: Charlie
Cousins (Charlie Davis of The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Sam Duncan,
Jacob Machin and Gabrielle Scawthorn. Wayne Harrison returns
home to Melbourne to direct this tender, mischievous comedy. Enter
the theatre to experience all the wartime flavour of the famous pub,
where the 19th century French nude ‘Chloe’ still resides in the upstairs
bar. This show says ‘fun’ - right down to its
camiknickers..
Ask about the Young and Jackson’s pretheatre dinner deal when booking. Dates
- Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 22
Performance times - Tuesday to Saturday
at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm
Ticket prices - $48-35
Bookings - www.fortyfivedownstairs.
com or phone 03 9662 9966
Venue - fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders
Lane, Melbourne
Sample a broad range of culinary delights to keep you
going throughout the day, from a simple sausage sizzle, icecream treats, to delights such as wood fired pizza’s, calamari,
vegetarian options and wonderful coffee, including plenty
of kid-friendly options as well!For those who would rather
bring their own food, feel free to pack your own gourmet
picnic and bring it along (just remember no glass).
Drinks will be available when the gates open and for those
not drinking alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own
water bottle to refill throughout the day the FREE WATER
STATION.
Between the Bays takes place at Penbank, located at the
end of Rickards Road in Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula
approximately 1 hour south of Melbourne. If driving, there
is parking on the site on the day, managed by The Lions
Club on the day, the cost is a small donation to group. If you
prefer not to drive, Between The Bays will again be running
a shuttle bus to and from the festival site, with two-pick up/
drop off points connecting with public transport running
throughout the day and into the evening.
Tickets on sale NOW via: www.betweenthebays.com
Adult $69.50 Child/Student (5-18 Yrs) $35.00 (includes all
rides and activities)
Child (under 5) FREE. Adult at the gate (on the day)
$80.00
Ruberto and Julie O’Hara, Katrina Noela (Opera Australia),
Tamara Vasilevitsky and Galit Klass. Produced
a n d
musically directed by Ella Levy on behalf of the
Jewish
Museum of Australia. Date: Sunday 1 March 2015
Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm – complementary exhibition viewing
of Andy Warhol’s Jewish Geniuses at the Jewish Museum of
Australia.
Doors open at 4.30pm. Concert starts at Adele Southwick
Hall at 5pm. Cost: Museum members – $40/General $45/
Group of 8 or more people – $35
Bookings essential. Seating for this event is allocated. Book
early to reserve your preferred seat!
Jewish Museum 26 Alma Rd, St. Kilda 8534 3600
Mindgames solutions
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Fifty~Plus News
Review: film
by Julian Lewis
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Events Digest
‘Whitehorse Flashed Past the Gap’ - An Exhibition of
Ink Art by Liu Xianghua, 3-15 February
THE IMITATION GAME ****
The gripping true story of mathematical
genius Alan Turing and his twin secret lives
that famously saw him develop the computer
that would help hasten the war by breaking the
German Enigma code while privately hiding
his homosexuality sees Benedict Cumberbatch
doing a sterling job in conveying Turing’s
social awkwardness, ably supported by Keira
Knightley as his assistant Joan, and a strong
supporting cast. And even if you think know
the story, you will still be swept along by these
parallel dramas. For, as Joan says, “Sometimes,
it is the people no one imagines anything of
who do the things that no one can imagine.”
CLASSIC CINEMAS
PRESENTS THE
‘CLASSICS AT CLASSIC’
PROGRAM
From January 31st to March 23rd Classic
Cinemas will screen a selection of cult and
classical Hollywood films.
Screening every Monday at 9pm will be a
number of cult classics and screening every
Saturday at midday will be a series of classical
Hollywood films.
Classic films appearing in the program
include the Marx Brothers zany comedy A
Night at the Opera, as well as Rebel Without
a Cause, Sunset Boulevard and Singing in the
Rain.
The Cult series will begin on Monday
February 2nd with Kubrick’s 2001: A Space
Odyssey, followed by notable films such as
The Matrix, The Blade Runner, A Clockwork
Orange and Pulp Fiction.
A Night at the Opera will be the first film to
screen on Saturday the 31st of January at 12
o’clock midday.
Download or view the full at www.
classiccinemas.com.au/Promotion/ClassicsAt-Classic online.
Tickets are now on sale and may be
purchased online or at the Classic Cinema
Box Office located at 9 Gordon Street
Elsternwick 9524 7900
February 2015
Inspired by his new home in
Melbourne as well as global art
practices, artist Liu Xianghua has
subverted traditional Chinese ink
painting to create dramatic artworks
that contrast delicate and bold
strokes and shades of light and dark
to great effect. Liu Xianghua taught
fine art in Beijing for 10 years and is
now a visiting scholar at the Victorian
College of the Arts.
Opening Thursday 5 February,
5.00pm at Box Hill Community Arts
Centre 470 Station St, Box Hill.
For more information phone: 9895 8888 or visit www.
bhcac.com.au
ORGAN CONCERT
Western Suburbs Organ Club will have guest artist Bill
Kerr at 7:45pm on Wednesday, February 11, at Kensington
Neighbourhood Centre, 18 Anthony Street, Kensington.
Visitors welcome - $6. Enquiries Terry 9380 9616
3MBS BRAHMS MARATHON SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY,
9AM - 11PM
Following
the
immensely
popular
Beethoven
and
Schubert Marathons
in 2013 and 2014,
Hawthorn Arts Centre
will play host to the
14-hour 3MBS Brahms
Marathon on Sunday
22 February.
Across seven 2-hour
sessions, audiences will hear 50 of Australia’s finest chamber
and vocal musicians performing 45 of Johannes Brahms’s
greatest masterpieces, including the gorgeous clarinet
quintet, the serene piano Intermezzi, the vivacious piano
quintet, the mammoth Handel Variations and Fugue, the
Four Serious Songs, and much, much more. Featuring
performances from some of Australia’s most beloved
classical musicians, including Brett Dean, Ian Munro, Kristian
Winther, William Hennessy, Kristian Chong, David Griffiths,
Wilma Smith, Stefan Cassomenos, Songmakers Australia,
and members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and
Australian Octet. All- Day Passes, Premium All- Day Passes,
single sessions tickets and student group offers are available.
For tickets and more information please visit
hawthornartscentre.com.au or call 9278 4770 during
business hours.
Sunday 22 February, 9am - 11pm at the Hawthorn Arts
Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Single Session: $25 Standard / $20 Concession / $65 Premium
All-Day Pass: $99.75 Standard / $299.95 Premium
Arts Centre Melbourne in association with Luckiest
Productions, Neil Gooding Productions, Tinderbox
Productions and Hayes Theatre Co presents Verity HuntBallard in SWEET CHARITY
The smash hit sell-out production – winner of three
Helpmann Awards!
Arts Centre Melbourne is delighted to announce that Sweet
Charity, the smash-hit production, will play from 25 February
– 8 March 2015 as part of a national tour.
If you believe in something hard enough, then eventually it
has to come true, right? Charity Hope Valentine is the eternal
optimist - a worldview that puts her distinctly at odds with
her co-workers in a seedy, run-down dance hall. Dancing
with man after man to pay her rent, she dreams of finally
being whisked out of there and rescued by love. But can
Charity wish her way into making love come true?
25 February – 8 March Playhouse Tickets from $59**
(additional fees and charges may apply) TO BOOK: www.
artscentremelbourne.com.au
BENTLEIGH ORGAN AND MUSIC CLUB Is delighted to
present a concert by well-known organist and pianist
LEITH EWERT of Prestige Pianos in Preston.
Leith Ewert is active in the organ and keyboard circles in
Melbourne, and specialises in both Theatre Organ and
Digital piano/keyboard. He is the sales manager at Prestige
Pianos & Organs and in the past played in positions as
church organist and theatre organist. He also works at
various festivals and demonstrations utilizing the very latest
Yamaha Clavinova/keyboards and Allen Classical &Theatre
Organs, plus Lowrey Home Organs. This will be a very
informative entertaining night with music to suit all tastes,
featuring various instruments! Leith will be bringing along
some of the newer pianos, Digital pianos, keyboards and
organs which the company sells and which you may practice
on and will explain their features and play them to show off
their versatility.
On Monday 2nd March, from 8pm At the Coatesville Bowling
Club 62 Mackie Rd., East Bentleigh
Admission $10 includes on-site parking and a generous
supper. Enquiries : Tel. 9528 2539
Let’s Go !
February 2015
Plan to escape the winter cold now!
June in Melbourne is cold and grey so
why not head to the warmer climate of
Australia’s Red Centre and Top End on
this exciting 10 day tour from Group
Travel.
Imagine sunrise and sunset at Uluru,
having the ultimate choice of a cruise or
helicopter flight over Katherine Gorge
then travelling on the legendary Ghan
to Darwin. Once there the wonder of a
scenic flight over Kakadu, a spetacular
two hour dinner cruise on Darwin
harbour and of course no trip to Darwin
would be complete without viewing
the crocodile feeding at Crocodylus
Park and Zoo. These are only a few of
the wonderful opportunities on this
tour.
It is jam packed with so many places to
see and filled with so many inclusions
that only a copy of the brochure can do
it justice. To obtain a copy or for more
information contact Trevor or Claire
at Group Travel on 9782 0367 or email
[email protected].
But be quick this tour is a not to be
missed opportunity and seats will fill
quickly.
Fifty~Plus News ­­­­­23
TOUR SPECIALS
14 Days in Queensland’s Outback
sounds too good to be true when
looking at a chilly autumn day in
Victoria. So why not plan ahead and
book your place on this wonderful tour
now. Visit Brisbane, the iconic towns
of Longreach and Roma. Travel on the
Gulflander and Savannahlander trains
and cruise on beautiful Cobbold Gorge.
There is so much more to see and do
on this tour so make sure you get a copy
of the brochure for all the details.
4 DAY EASTER SPECIAL
Departure Friday 3rd April
Accommodation Club Barham Motel
All inclusive cost $899.00 p/p twin share
Single supplement $120.00 extra
Includes Daylesford, Cricket Willow,
The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, Swan Hill
and the Kingfisher Barmah Forest Wetlands Cruise
etc.
5 DAY NSW SAPPHIRE COAST
Departure Monday 4th May
Accommodation Coachmans Rest in Eden
All inclusive
Cost $895.00 p/p T/share
Single Supplement $180.00 extra
Early bookings are essential.
To book your seat to warmth,
wonder and a jolly good time on
either of these wonderul tours
contact Group Travel
on 03 9782 0367 or Email
[email protected]
14 DAY QUEENSLAND
OUTBACK
Departure Thursday 14th May, 2015
Featuring visits to the Stockman’s Hal of Fame,
QANTAS Founders Museum, Cattle Station Visit,
Kurandah Sky Rail, Palm Cove & Port Douglas and
much more.
Cost $4895 pp t/share
*Single supplement $690 extra
DanceRetro – Do you love Retro Music? Dance to music of
the 70s 80s & 90s.
Weds 7.45-8.45pm at The Breslin Gallery, 254 Neerim Rd.
Carnegie.
Thurs 7.45-8.45pm at Fordham Ave. Scout Hall, Fordham
Ave. Camberwell. Dance for simple fab fun! Dance for the
health of it!! Starting Feb 2015.
Contact Kate 0417 545 024 www.danceretro.com
11 DAY EASTERN COASTAL
TOUR
KEW COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 2015 Friday 6 to 22 March
Selection of FREE and moderately charged events
Raise the Rhythm is the theme
of this seventeen day Festival
capturing the diversity and spirit
of Kew and the City of Boroondara.
There’s entertainment for the
whole family, dance, music,
choirs, fireworks, even dance
parades and amazing 4D mapping
projections.
Hundreds of artists appearing in day and twilight acts
performing at numerous picturesque locations.
Fun for all- bring a picnic, or buy food from on- site stalls.
www.kewfestival.org
FREE SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES ARE HELD EVERY
THURSDAYS (EX SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) @ GLEN HALL,
Cnr. GLENGALA RD. & SIMMIE ST. SUNSHINE,
MELWAYS 40 –D 2.
7-30 TO 8-30 PM. OR RING NOEL 9331 6580 ALL
HOURS.
START BACK DATE:THURS. 5th. FEB. 2015 @7-30 pm
LEARN FROM THE FORMER VICTORIAN, AUSTRALASIAN
& COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONS
FOR GROUPS (MINIMUM 20 HEAD) THAT WOULD LIKE
FREE TUITION IN A SPECIFIC STYLE PLEASE EMAIL
YOUR DETAILS, CLASSES WOULD BE FROM 8-30 PM TO
9-30 PM @ THE ABOVE VENUE.
At the Frankston
Waterfront,
Pier Promenade,
Frankston
Written and directed by
Robert Lepage, TOTEM
traces
the
fascinating
journey of the human
species from its original
amphibian state to its
ultimate desire to fly. The
characters evolve on a stage
evoking a giant turtle, the
symbol of origin for many
ancient civilizations.
Inspired
by
many
founding myths, TOTEM
illustrates, through a visual
and acrobatic language,
the evolutionary progress
of species. Somewhere
between
science
and
legend TOTEM explores the
ties that bind Man to other
species, his dreams and his
infinite potential.
Featuring a cast of 46
acrobats, actors, musicians
and singers, TOTEM is an
uplifting array of athleticism,
comedy, heartfelt emotions
and surprising visual effects.
Following
exceptionally
strong ticket sales, Cirque
du Soleil is adding two new
weeks of performances
to the Melbourne season
of TOTEM, extending the
season to March 29, 2015.
Tickets for these new and
final performances are
on sale now from www.
cirquedusoleil.com/totem.
Australia’s only inner city festival of folk, roots and world
music, The Brunswick Music Festival begins 1st March 2015
with the Sydney Road Street Party before a stellar musical
program of ticketed events rolls out over the following 14
days in a celebration of everything that encapsulates the
diverse and creative spirit of the City of Moreland.
The Festival that brings International and local greats
From Boxing Day 2014
through to April 26 2015 ,
Frankston Waterfront will
again be transformed as
3,500 tonnes of sand is carved into spectacular sand
sculptures.
This year Sand Sculpting Australia will present “Friends,
Foes and Super Heroes” with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and
Star Wars characters.
Journey through the pathways to see Mickey and
Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses and Pixar characters
such as Buzz, Woody, Lightning McQueen and Mater.
Marvel’s legendary heroes, include Spiderman, Iron Man,
Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, and The
Avengers.
Fans of Star Wars are also in for a treat as they can view
the sand creations of Yoda, Jabba the Hut and Darth
Vadar along with detailed sand sculptures of the Empire’s
Death Star and Luke’s X-Wing fighter.
Children’s activities abound with Sand Sculpting
Workshops, Sand Art, Sand Bottles, Sand Diggers,
our Giant Sand Pit, Children’s Activity Sheet and our
interactive Lego Play Zone, Channel 9 Summer Chill
Zone.
right to the front steps of Brunswick is back!
Steeped in 27 years of historical local pub
jams, the Brunswick Music Festival (BMF) is a
one of kind celebration of music in Moreland
Municipality taking over the Brunswick Town
Hall, and a huge list of local venues. From
Rajasthan to Iceland, the USA to Blythe Street,
the two-week program holds up a mirror to
Brunswick’s bustling diversity, featuring a
line-up of multicultural artists from around
the corner and across the globe, kicking off
with the Sydney Road Street Party on 1st March.
Look out for the Festival box office and info station on
Sydney Road, opening in mid-Feb!
Tickets on sale from
http://www.brunswickmusicfestival.com.au
Departure Thursday 28th May
Includes Cairns, Pt Douglas, Kuranda, Airlie Beach,
Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast & Pt
Macquarie to Sydney. Air fare to Cairns & Sydney to
Melbourne.
Cost $3995 pp t/share
*Single supplement $652 extra
10 DAY RED CENTRE & THE TOP
END
Departure Friday 19th June, 2015
Featuring visits to Uluru, Alice Springs, Standley
Chasm, Legendary Ghan, Kakadu and more.
Cost Pensioner $4985 pp t/share
Cost Non Pensioner $5269 pp t/share
*Single supplement $730 extra
5 DAY PORT STEPHENS &
HUNTER VALLEY
Departure Tuesday 21st July, 2015
Cost $1495 pp t/share
*Single supplement $280 extra
16 DAY RAIL - SAIL PACKAGE
Departure Saturday 22nd August, 2015
Includes the Ghan to Darwin and the Dawn Princess
Cruise Ship to Sydney .and includes air fares.
Cost $5989 pp t/share
*Single supplement $1510 extra
8 DAY FLINDERS RANGES
Departure Friday 18th September, 2015
Including Arkaarola and Wilpena Pound
Cost $2495 pp t/share
*Single supplement $475 extra
5 DAY CANBERRA FLORIADE
Departure Monday 28th September
All incl Cost $1195.00 pp t/share
*Single supplement $320 extra
Free home pick up and return
service available
Group Travel Marketing
Licensed Tour Operators
­­­­­22
Ph 9782 0367
all hours
or email:
[email protected]
www.grouptravelmarketing.com
FFifty~Plus
r i e n d s tNews
o travel
­­­­­24
with....
February 2015
Join O’Shannessy’s for a holiday
you’ll never forget!
Prices Include: All meals (including morning teas and most lunches) quality ensuite motel and resort
accommodation, all entry fees to interest venues and cruises, travel by O’Shannessy’s new 5 star coaches
equipped with 2 doors, seat belts and rest room. Patrons are not expected to handle luggage. All prices
are per person twin share and include GST. All coach tours hostess escorted. Prices include Flights where
applicable.
WINNER Australian Achievers Awards for
Excellence in Customer Service
Repeat Clientele and Group Discounts Apply
Crookwell NSW Potato Festival
Mar 4 - 9, 2015 • 6 Days $1,720
Highlights: Lake Eildon, Glenrowan, Holbrook,
HMAS Otway - Museum, National Museum of
Pottery, Gundagai, Crisp Galleries, Goulburn,
St Savious Cathedral, Taralga, Crystal Brook
Lavendar Farm, Kingsdale Wines, Crookwell
Potato Festival, Lindner Sock Factory,
St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Southern
Alps - Cooma, Lakes Entrance, Sale.
Kangaroo Island & the Coorong
Mar 8-15, 2015 • 8 Days $2,695
Highlights: Mt Gambier, Goolwa, Victor
Harbor, Penneshaw and American River,
Cliffords Honey Farm - Kangaroo Island, Marron
Farm Tour, Island Pure Sheep Dairy - Kangaroo
Island Seal Bay Tour, Flinders Chase National
Park, Admiral’s Arch and Remarkable Rocks,
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Tour, Granite
Island, Strathalbyn, The Grampians Nat Park,
Multiple Night Stays: 3 nights at Kingscote on
Kangaroo Island, Cruise: Luncheon Cruise on
the Coorong.
King Island Adventure
Mar 16-19, 2015 • 4 Days $2,720
Highlights: Currie sightseeing: Museum
and Lighthouse, Calcified Forest, King Island
Kelp Craft, Naracoopa, Grassy, View the Fairy
Penguins, Yellow Rock River, Penny’s Lagoon,
Cape Wickham Lighthouse, Martha Lavinia
Beach, King Island Dairy, Cultural Centre –
Currie, Kelp Factory
Sapphire Coast
Mar 18 - 23, 2015 • 6 Days $1,820
Highlights: Bairnsdale, Eden, Cat Balou Cruise
on Twofold Bay, Boydtown - Seahorse Inn, Killer
Whale Museum, ABC Cheese Factory - Tilba,
Tathra Wharf, Wheelers Oyster Farm, Mogo
Zoo, Lakes Entrance Luncheon Cruise, Robotic
Dairy Centre.
Opera on Sydney Harbour - Aida
Mar 27-30, 2015 • 4 Days $2,295
NEW FOR
(Fly in Fly out)
2015
Mar 25-31, 2015 • 7 Days $2,745
(Coach both ways)
Highlights: What grander setting could there
be for such an Opera than Sydney Harbour itself:
awash with the light of the city and the Sydney
Opera House silhouetted against the setting
sun? A setting like this demands a spectacular
opera, so prepare for a performance of huge
proportions - Aida. A royal love triangle, a
war and the famous “Triumphal March” with
Egyptians’ en masse that will light up the
waters of Sydney’s magnificent harbour.
Tassie All Over
Mar 24-Apr 3, 2015 • 11 Days $3,895
Highlights: Launceston - Cataract Gorge,
Tamar Valley, Weldborough Pass, Spiky Bridge,
Freycinet Nat Park, Bicheno, Grindelwald Swiss
Village, Hobart, Huon Valley and Tahune State
Forest Airwalk, Derwent Valley & New Norfolk,
Salamanca Markets, Hobart Royal Botanical
Gardens, Battery Point & Constitution Dock,
Richmond, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur
Queenstown, Tarraleah Gorge - Nelson
Waterfalls, Gordon River Cruise, Macquarie
Harbour – Strahan, Cradle Mountain Nat Park
& Dove Lake, Sheffield - Town of Murals, Table
Cape, Stanley, The Nut, Burnie, Penguin, House
of Anvers, Tour of Mersey Bluff & Devonport.
Mar 26-30, 2015 • 5 Days $1,685
Highlights: Wonthaggi, State Coal Mine,
Inverloch, Bunurong Environment Centre &
Shell Museum, Phillip Island, Pannys Amazing
World of Chocolate, Koala Conservation Centre,
Super Bike Circuit, Nature Park - Penguin
Parade, Wildlife Coast Cruises to French Island,
Historic Prison Farm / Eco Organic Farm,
Vietnam Veterans Museum, Churchill Island
Heritage Farm, Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm,
Bush Tea Tour, Mingara Gallery, Cranbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens.
Easter in Gippsland
Apr 3-7, 2015 • 5 Days $1,665
Highlights: Walhalla Goldfields Railway,
Thomson River Dam, Gippsland Wetlands,
Gippsland Armed Forces Museum, Gippsland
Vehicle Collection, Egg Shell Dell Gallery,
Buchan Caves, Cruise on Gippsland Lakes,
Metung Hotel, Nyerimilang Heritage Park,
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Port Albert,
Tarraville Church, South Gippsland Railway,
Wonthaggi State Coal Mine.
FREE
CALL
Apr 3-8, 2015 • 6 Days $1,845
Highlights: Broken Hill, Royal Flying Doctor
Base, Silver City Mine and Art Gallery, Silverton,
Pro Harts Gallery, Jack Absolom’s Gallery, Living
Desert Sclupture Symposium, Australian Inland
Botanic Garden – Mildura and Donald.
NEW FOR
2014
Apr 9-14, 2015 • 6 Days $1,895
Highlights: ABC Cheese Factory – Bega,
Batemans Bay, Fitzroy Falls, Brigadoon –
Scottish Festival, Red Cow Farm, International
Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral, Joadja Ghost
Town, Cooma Cottage – Yass, Crisps Artglass
Studio, Bandiana Base Military Museum.
1800 354 352
Visit us on the web at www.oshannessys.com.au
Murray Princess
May 10 – 16, 2015 •7 Days $3,095
Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour
May 18 – 26, 2015 •7 Days $2,745
Overseas Tours
LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE BOOK EARLY TO
AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Vietnam
April 8-20, 2015 • 13Days $5,215
Includes an overnight cruise on Halong Bay
Flinders Ranges Outback
Apr 15 -23, 2015 •9 Days $3,195
Lord Howe Island
Apr 18-24, 2015 •7 Days $4,295
Sydney Blue Mountains
Apr 21-29, 2015 • 9 Days $2,985
Highlights: Weary
Dunlop
Memorial,
Benalla, Humes Cooma Cottage, Goulburn,
Hawkesbury
River
Cruise,
Sydney,
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach,
Vaucluse House, Rushcutters Bay, Rocks
area, Dinner Cruise on the Harbour, Olympic
Village, Richmond, Blue Mountains Botanic
Gardens, Govetts Leap Lookout, Three Sisters,
Scenic World – Railway, Cable car, Skyway.
Grose Valley, Everglades House & Gardens,
Jenolan Caves, Hartley Historic Village, Bathurst
Mount Panorama, P.O.W. breakout – Cowra,
Japanese Gardens, Wagga Wagga and Albury.
Murray River Run –
Wellington to Border Cliffs
Apr 25 – May 2, 2015 •8 Days $2,995
Easter in Broken Hill
For enquiries or bookings call
Chris O’Shannessy and the team on
Includes The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival
April 10-20, 2015 • 11 Days $3,395
Highlights: Man from Snowy River Museum,
Corryong, MV Paradise Queen Cruise – Lake
Mulwala, Byramine Homestead, Port of Echuca
tour, Sharps Magic Movie House, Pride of the
Murray cruise, Flying Boat Museum, Lake
Boga, Pioneer Settlement Museum – Swan Hill,
PS Pyap Cruise, Woodsies Gem Shop,
PS Rothbury cruise, Trentham Estate Winery,
Missy cruise – Berri, Loxton Historic village,
Mannum, Victor Harbor, WA Whale Centre,
Coorong Discovery Cruise, Keith, Brambuk
Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Halls Gap and
Ararat.
NEW FOR
2014
Phillip Island
Southern Highlands Scottish Festival
High Country to the Murray Delta
European Mediterranean Cruise
Barcelona to Venice
Sept 14-Oct 9, 2015 • 26 Days
From $14,095 (Includes airfares)
On board the Norwegian Spirit for 12 nights.
Then we enjoy a coach tour of Italy
Includes stopovers both ways in Singapore.
Mississippi Cruise
October 2015
New Orleans to Memphis on the American
Eagle Paddle Wheeler
Bright Autumn Colours
Apr 30 – May 4, 2015 •5 Days $1,485
Pumpkin Festival – Collector NSW
Apr 30 – May 6, 2015 •7 Days $2,185
Includes stopovers both ways in Dallas.
(pic not actual boat)
New Zealand Garden Tour
Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas
May 6 – 15, 2015 •10 Days $3,095
Port Stephens & The Hunter Valley
Oct 29 - Nov 14, 2015 • 17 Days $6,995
Featuring Taranaki and Marlborough
Garden Festivals
May 8 – 17, 2015 •10 Days $3,475
Free Chauffeured Home
Pick-up and Return
All suburbs of Greater Melbourne,
Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine &
Mornington Peninsulas, Bendigo &
some areas of Gippsland, including
Warragul.
O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd trading as
2121 Point Nepean Rd, Rye, Victoria 3941